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Wonder That Was India: Volume 1 Paperback – 8 July 2014
by A.L. Basham (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 515 ratings
Indian civilization is among the oldest in the world, and what is unique in that respect is that the culture of the peoples still remains largely unchanged, with a strong thread of continuity through the ages.
The Wonder That was India takes a look at the country s history from the time of the Harappan or Indus Valley Civilization. It explores the possible causes for the decline of the Harappan civilization and settlements. The book talks about the possibility of the Harappans having moved towards the south and settled in the peninsular region.
The author also discusses the Aryan invasion theory, supporting it with various research papers and findings of that time. The evolution of Hindu religion is also talked about in this book from the Harappan times, to the coming of the Aryans and the mutual influence that Hinduism and its off shoots Jainism and Buddhism had on each other.
This book is comprehensive in its coverage of Indian history. It looks at every aspect of Indian society and culture. The Wonder That was India covers everything from religion, governance, social evolution, literary traditions, philosophy languages, and science.
The author explores the significant role the Hindu religion played on the lives of the people. All the literary compositions of ancient times had religious associations. He also puts forward the theory that the European gypsies are of Indian origin.
The Wonder That Was India also gives an insight into modern Indian society and culture, how it became a confluence of different influences from many a quarter throughout the many stages of its history.
From other countries
Tracy Saunders
5.0 out of 5 stars I read this book years ago and loved it. I remember meeting ProfReviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 August 2015
Verified Purchase
I read this book years ago and loved it. I remember meeting Prof. Basham in his last year of llife: what a wonderful humble man. One particularly nice surprise was that not only did this book arrive very quickly but it came from New Delhi, was wrapped in brown paper tied up with string! Wow...one of my Favourite Things. Thank you.
2 people found this helpfulReport
Raveesh Varma
5.0 out of 5 stars The Wonder that was Basham...Reviewed in the United States on 17 October 2009
Verified Purchase
This is, without reservation, the greatest, most impartial, scholarly, informative and readable account of ancient and classical India that I have ever had the extreme good fortune of reading. Dr. Basham's scholarship will put a very great majority of people born in India to shame. But more than that, the love, affection, respect and genuine caring he feels for his subject brings tears to one's eyes. This is not a halcyonic, idyllic account; but even the flaws of the culture he writes about are discussed imaprtially, they do not constitute the fulcrum about which his impressions of India rotate. This is a far better work on Indian history than say Ms. Romila Thapar's work on the history of the Subcontinent until the 12th centure (about which I have written seperately, Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300). As far as being a "simple mlechha" is concerned, Dr. Basham is among the greatest Indians I will ever have the good fortune of encountering, if not in person than atleast in thought. Recommended without any, any reservations.
17 people found this helpfulReport
AL
5.0 out of 5 stars Very detailedReviewed in Canada on 24 November 2018
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It is very detailed account of Indian history. It is worth a read.
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book but back in timeReviewed in India on 28 February 2021
Verified Purchase
The book "opened my eyes".
Every Indian student should read this book as a primer to Indian history.
Once you have a background knowledge as per this book, then when you read other Indian history books, it will broaden your horizon of understanding the ancient Indian culture.
Book is excellent, but off course the facts and hypothesis as well as observations presented are according to the developments that took place in 1930s- 1960s.
With the passing of time and advent of newer technology new facts in History are being discovered constantly, and hence the hypothesis presented in this book might have been refuted or have changed substantially in 21st century.
However, this is a book that every Indian intellectual should read once in her life time.
I loved India earlier also but the magnitude and intensity for my country deepened after I read this book.
Report
lorne
5.0 out of 5 stars Roll up your sleevesReviewed in the United States on 8 April 2014
Verified Purchase
This book is a tome. That said, it's organized by discipline (history, religion, art, etc.) then chronology, so one can open to any page and begin reading. My Sanskrit book recommended this one as a first read about India, and I don't regret it. One unexpected delight is that Sanskrit words are marked with diacriticals which are defined in the Introduction. Those persons wishing to know about retroflexes, nasals and aspirations might well pick up a lot of vocabulary. Meanwhile, the depth and breadth of information make obvious that the author has dedicated a lifetime to every aspect of the culture. I'd buy it again.
12 people found this helpfulReport
Aditya
5.0 out of 5 stars An Unbiased OverviewReviewed in India on 9 June 2014
Verified Purchase
As a young kid, AL Basham was always fascinated by the stories of a mysterious land far away - stories told by his father who lived near Shimla as a british journalist. His deep interest in the history and religions of Indian subcontinent made him work for a PhD under another prominent historian of that time, L.D. Barnett. He went further to hold professorships at various institutes, finally coming to "Oriental Studies at the Asiatic Society of Calcutta".
I believe no one ever summarized Indian history in a depth surpassing the level Basham has gone in "The Wonder that was India". From the early civilizations in the west to invasion of Aryans and early ages of "Hindu" society, you will experience what we are told in the school days was just a half baked story, hiding the details that may change your view created by the present political activities.
In the book, AL Basham has explained the passage of kings, formation and re-formation of religions, making of the norms of society and gives a perfect picture of what India was like when the Mughals first saw it. “If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree.", quoted Michael Crichton. You gotta read this book.
32 people found this helpfulReport
Rohit Sabharwal
4.0 out of 5 stars Life and times of the great ancient IndiaReviewed in India on 26 March 2015
Verified Purchase
First of, it is one of the most unbiased, non-political work on the subject that I have came across. The research gone into this book is clearly evident and it seems to be a Herculean task at that. The book in under 600 pages covers a myriad topics that the India of that period was going through.
The book is refreshingly not pedantic and provides a lucid detail of the life and times of the people, philosophy, religion and metaphysics of the time. Recommended to anyone interested in the indigenous culture of India, before the several alien invasions.
3 people found this helpfulReport
Jayachandra Menon. D
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent BookReviewed in India on 22 November 2020
Verified Purchase
One of the best read, I have ever come across with! In fact, I got the idea to buy this book from Sri. Sukumar Azhikode, one of the most brilliant intellectuals my generation had had the privilege to live with. According to him, “Every Indian who had not read this book deserves nothing but pity”! I found it exactly the same way, once I finished the book. And I did reread it from cover to cover at least four times. It still inspires me.
Report
tapan bhattacharya
5.0 out of 5 stars This is probably the best book of ancient Indian history in EnglishReviewed in the United States on 17 June 2019
Verified Purchase
I read this book for the first time 40+ years ago and I have a worn copy of the first edition which belonged to my father.
Despite the topic being serious, it is one of the most readable books on the subject.
I have recommended it to many, over the years
Tapan Bhattacharya
One person found this helpfulReport
***
5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST book on ancient IndiaReviewed in India on 20 May 2019
Verified Purchase
It is undoubtedly the BEST source material about ancient India. When it comes to ancient India historians--both Nationalists and Marxists--tend to exaggerate and modify facts to suit their ideology and narrative. This book is one of those rare unbiased books that puts forth just facts and doesn’t subtly twist the facts to fit a certain kind of narrative. The writing is simple and engrossing, the kind that makes even non-history students interested in the subject. As a history student who opted for Ancient Indian Culture in college, this book helped me so much with my studies. It is highly recommended for students preparing for competitive exams.
3 people found this helpfulReport
Roll over image to zoom in
Follow the author
A.L. BashamA.L. Basham
Follow
Wonder That Was India: Volume 1 Paperback – 8 July 2014
by A.L. Basham (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 515 ratings
Indian civilization is among the oldest in the world, and what is unique in that respect is that the culture of the peoples still remains largely unchanged, with a strong thread of continuity through the ages.
The Wonder That was India takes a look at the country s history from the time of the Harappan or Indus Valley Civilization. It explores the possible causes for the decline of the Harappan civilization and settlements. The book talks about the possibility of the Harappans having moved towards the south and settled in the peninsular region.
The author also discusses the Aryan invasion theory, supporting it with various research papers and findings of that time. The evolution of Hindu religion is also talked about in this book from the Harappan times, to the coming of the Aryans and the mutual influence that Hinduism and its off shoots Jainism and Buddhism had on each other.
This book is comprehensive in its coverage of Indian history. It looks at every aspect of Indian society and culture. The Wonder That was India covers everything from religion, governance, social evolution, literary traditions, philosophy languages, and science.
The author explores the significant role the Hindu religion played on the lives of the people. All the literary compositions of ancient times had religious associations. He also puts forward the theory that the European gypsies are of Indian origin.
The Wonder That Was India also gives an insight into modern Indian society and culture, how it became a confluence of different influences from many a quarter throughout the many stages of its history.
===
From other countries
Tracy Saunders
5.0 out of 5 stars I read this book years ago and loved it. I remember meeting ProfReviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 August 2015
Verified Purchase
I read this book years ago and loved it. I remember meeting Prof. Basham in his last year of llife: what a wonderful humble man. One particularly nice surprise was that not only did this book arrive very quickly but it came from New Delhi, was wrapped in brown paper tied up with string! Wow...one of my Favourite Things. Thank you.
2 people found this helpfulReport
Raveesh Varma
5.0 out of 5 stars The Wonder that was Basham...Reviewed in the United States on 17 October 2009
Verified Purchase
This is, without reservation, the greatest, most impartial, scholarly, informative and readable account of ancient and classical India that I have ever had the extreme good fortune of reading. Dr. Basham's scholarship will put a very great majority of people born in India to shame. But more than that, the love, affection, respect and genuine caring he feels for his subject brings tears to one's eyes. This is not a halcyonic, idyllic account; but even the flaws of the culture he writes about are discussed imaprtially, they do not constitute the fulcrum about which his impressions of India rotate. This is a far better work on Indian history than say Ms. Romila Thapar's work on the history of the Subcontinent until the 12th centure (about which I have written seperately, Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300). As far as being a "simple mlechha" is concerned, Dr. Basham is among the greatest Indians I will ever have the good fortune of encountering, if not in person than atleast in thought. Recommended without any, any reservations.
17 people found this helpfulReport
AL
5.0 out of 5 stars Very detailedReviewed in Canada on 24 November 2018
Verified Purchase
It is very detailed account of Indian history. It is worth a read.
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book but back in timeReviewed in India on 28 February 2021
Verified Purchase
The book "opened my eyes".
Every Indian student should read this book as a primer to Indian history.
Once you have a background knowledge as per this book, then when you read other Indian history books, it will broaden your horizon of understanding the ancient Indian culture.
Book is excellent, but off course the facts and hypothesis as well as observations presented are according to the developments that took place in 1930s- 1960s.
With the passing of time and advent of newer technology new facts in History are being discovered constantly, and hence the hypothesis presented in this book might have been refuted or have changed substantially in 21st century.
However, this is a book that every Indian intellectual should read once in her life time.
I loved India earlier also but the magnitude and intensity for my country deepened after I read this book.
Report
lorne
5.0 out of 5 stars Roll up your sleevesReviewed in the United States on 8 April 2014
Verified Purchase
This book is a tome. That said, it's organized by discipline (history, religion, art, etc.) then chronology, so one can open to any page and begin reading. My Sanskrit book recommended this one as a first read about India, and I don't regret it. One unexpected delight is that Sanskrit words are marked with diacriticals which are defined in the Introduction. Those persons wishing to know about retroflexes, nasals and aspirations might well pick up a lot of vocabulary. Meanwhile, the depth and breadth of information make obvious that the author has dedicated a lifetime to every aspect of the culture. I'd buy it again.
12 people found this helpfulReport
Aditya
5.0 out of 5 stars An Unbiased OverviewReviewed in India on 9 June 2014
Verified Purchase
As a young kid, AL Basham was always fascinated by the stories of a mysterious land far away - stories told by his father who lived near Shimla as a british journalist. His deep interest in the history and religions of Indian subcontinent made him work for a PhD under another prominent historian of that time, L.D. Barnett. He went further to hold professorships at various institutes, finally coming to "Oriental Studies at the Asiatic Society of Calcutta".
I believe no one ever summarized Indian history in a depth surpassing the level Basham has gone in "The Wonder that was India". From the early civilizations in the west to invasion of Aryans and early ages of "Hindu" society, you will experience what we are told in the school days was just a half baked story, hiding the details that may change your view created by the present political activities.
In the book, AL Basham has explained the passage of kings, formation and re-formation of religions, making of the norms of society and gives a perfect picture of what India was like when the Mughals first saw it. “If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree.", quoted Michael Crichton. You gotta read this book.
32 people found this helpfulReport
Rohit Sabharwal
4.0 out of 5 stars Life and times of the great ancient IndiaReviewed in India on 26 March 2015
Verified Purchase
First of, it is one of the most unbiased, non-political work on the subject that I have came across. The research gone into this book is clearly evident and it seems to be a Herculean task at that. The book in under 600 pages covers a myriad topics that the India of that period was going through.
The book is refreshingly not pedantic and provides a lucid detail of the life and times of the people, philosophy, religion and metaphysics of the time. Recommended to anyone interested in the indigenous culture of India, before the several alien invasions.
3 people found this helpfulReport
Jayachandra Menon. D
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent BookReviewed in India on 22 November 2020
Verified Purchase
One of the best read, I have ever come across with! In fact, I got the idea to buy this book from Sri. Sukumar Azhikode, one of the most brilliant intellectuals my generation had had the privilege to live with. According to him, “Every Indian who had not read this book deserves nothing but pity”! I found it exactly the same way, once I finished the book. And I did reread it from cover to cover at least four times. It still inspires me.
Report
tapan bhattacharya
5.0 out of 5 stars This is probably the best book of ancient Indian history in EnglishReviewed in the United States on 17 June 2019
Verified Purchase
I read this book for the first time 40+ years ago and I have a worn copy of the first edition which belonged to my father.
Despite the topic being serious, it is one of the most readable books on the subject.
I have recommended it to many, over the years
Tapan Bhattacharya
One person found this helpfulReport
***
5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST book on ancient IndiaReviewed in India on 20 May 2019
Verified Purchase
It is undoubtedly the BEST source material about ancient India. When it comes to ancient India historians--both Nationalists and Marxists--tend to exaggerate and modify facts to suit their ideology and narrative. This book is one of those rare unbiased books that puts forth just facts and doesn’t subtly twist the facts to fit a certain kind of narrative. The writing is simple and engrossing, the kind that makes even non-history students interested in the subject. As a history student who opted for Ancient Indian Culture in college, this book helped me so much with my studies. It is highly recommended for students preparing for competitive exams.
3 people found this helpfulReport
===
The Wonder That Was India
 First edition | |
| Author | Arthur Llewellyn Basham |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Subject | History |
| Published | 1954 by Sidgwick & Jackson |
| Pages | 572 (third edition, 1977) |
| ISBN | 0-330-43909-X |
The Wonder That Was India: A Survey of the Culture of the Indian Sub-Continent Before the Coming of the Muslims, is a book on Indian history written by Arthur Llewellyn Basham and first published in 1954.[1]
Synopsis[edit]
The book was aimed at a western audience. Basham, in the book, has attempted to correct the negative stereotypes of India created by authors like James Mill, Thomas Babington Macaulay and Vincent Arthur Smith.[2]
Reception[edit]
Thomas Trautmann considers this book his primary influence which encouraged him to study India.[3] The foreword of the 2005 edition by Picador was written by him.[2][3] David Dean Shulman has said that the book fascinated him.[4]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Basham, A. L. (2004). The Wonder That was India. London: Picador. ISBN 0-330-43909-X.
- ^ a b "India interpreted". The Hindu. 6 March 2005. Retrieved 19 August 2015.[dead link]
- ^ a b "Kinship and language". Frontline. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
- ^ "An accomplished Indologist". The Hindu. 10 March 2006. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
