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A History Lover's Bookshelf

byDelhi WalksShips across IndiaStarts from₹850 Per BookView full gallery

Looking to dive deeper into the past? These are the foundational texts that shaped my own curiosity, perfect for anyone starting their journey into Indian history.

Thinking about reading up on Indian history but don't know where to begin? Here is a short guide to some beginner-friendly books that make the past accessible and engaging.

'A History of Ancient India' by Upinder Singh. A comprehensive yet readable exploration of India's foundations, perfect for understanding ancient civilizations and early kingdoms.

'The Wonder That Was India' by A.L. Basham. This is a definitive guide to ancient Indian civilization, explaining its art, religion, and daily life in accessible language.

'From Plassey to Partition' by Sekhar Bandyopadhyay. This is the go-to beginner's guide for understanding 200 years of modern Indian history, from colonial rule to independence.

'The Discovery of India' by Jawaharlal Nehru. Written while imprisoned, this is a philosophical journey through India's culture and heritage by its first Prime Minister.

'The Argumentative Indian' by Amartya Sen. Nobel laureate Sen explores India's rich tradition of debate and reasoning, challenging stereotypes about its intellectual history.

About A History Lover's Bookshelf

When I first started leading these walks, I searched for books that felt like a conversation rather than a lecture. These titles are not just academic references. They are the keys to unlocking the stories I share on our heritage trails, helping bridge the gap between dry dates and the actual lives people led centuries ago.

Recommended by Delhi's local storyteller. — Approved by the tribe
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Delhi Walks

Ships across IndiaStarts from ₹850 Per Book

I believe that every monument has a story, but you need the right book to understand the plot. I have chosen these titles because they treat history like a living thing, just as I do on my walks through Delhi.

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The cover of "New Delhi: Making of a Capital" by Malvika Singh and Rudrangshu Mukherjee. This book provides a detailed account of the planning and construction of New Delhi, using archival maps, plans, and photographs to tell the story of the imperial city's genesis.14
Ranjana Sengupta's "Delhi Metropolitan: The Making of an Unlikely City." This work examines Delhi's continuous reinvention, from its ancient past to its modern expansion, exploring the cultural and social dynamics that have shaped its identity.
"In the City, Out of Place" by Awadhendhra Sharan, a critical examination of nuisance, pollution, and dwelling in Delhi from 1850-2000. This book is crucial for understanding the historical roots of Delhi's contemporary environmental and urban challenges.
The cover of "Rebuilding Shahjahanabad" by Jagmohan. Published in 1975, this book offers a fascinating, though contested, perspective from a key figure in Delhi's urban planning, revealing the philosophies that drove major changes in the walled city.

The Historian's Bookshelf: Critical Readings on History & Culture

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Kanika SinghAvailable online globally & travels across India for events
A reader's perspective on 'India that is Bharat'. The book is intended to provide a counter-narrative to the prevailing colonial worldview by distinguishing between the political act of colonialism and the enduring mental framework of coloniality.25
The Hindi translation, 'India Arthath Bharat', featured on the Dainik Jagran bestseller list. Making this work accessible in regional languages is crucial to broadening the reach of the decolonial project.
Both volumes of the Bharat series available for purchase. The first book lays the groundwork by exploring coloniality's influence on our Constitution, while the second delves into the civilisational journey leading to Partition.
The Telugu edition, 'ఇండియా అనే భారత్'. It is important that these ideas are discussed and debated in every part of Bharat, in the language of the people.

The Bharat Trilogy: My Core Thesis

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J. Sai DeepakBooks available across India
We have a comprehensive collection of books by the beloved Sudha Murty, whose stories transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.13
A selection of Sudha Murty's most popular books, including 'How I Taught my Grandmother to Read' and 'Grandparents' Bag of Stories'.
The complete 'Gopi Diaries' series by Sudha Murty, telling the heartwarming story of a dog's life from his own perspective.
'The Magic of the Lost Temple' and its sequel, 'The Magic of the Lost Story', are exciting adventures by Sudha Murty.

Tales from India: Treasured Stories for Young Readers

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Kunzum Book BeesVisit stores in GK II & Hauz Khas, or get it delivered across India
Reading Rabindranath Tagore's 'Gitanjali'. These poems are a modern gospel of self-discovery, and I highly recommend it for anyone investigating their relationship with the Divine.4
Soaking in the sun and the profound words of Tagore's 'Gitanjali'. A quote that stayed with me: 'And because I love this life, I know I shall love death as well.'
A joyful moment with 'Gitanjali'. Reading these poems feels like cleansing and organizing age-old thoughts and feelings. It's a book I will surely reread.
My current read: 'Aghora' by Dr. Robert Svoboda. This book is not for the faint of heart, but it is a powerful exploration of Indian spiritual treasures.

From My Bookshelf: Books That Shaped My Creative Journey

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Ruby NaazOnline sessions and workshops in Bengaluru
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If your child loves the adventures and friendships in Enid Blyton's books, we have a whole list of other series they will enjoy. From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" to "The Spiderwick Chronicles," we can help you find the next great adventure.
Enid Blyton's stories are timeless treasures that continue to captivate new generations of readers. Her tales of mystery, magic, and friendship are a wonderful way to get lost in a book. Let us help you discover other authors with a similar sense of wonder.

Handpicked Book Recommendations Your Child Will Love

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ThinkBoxVisit Library in Malleshpalya; Ships across India
A tip for parents: if your child gets sleepy while reading, it's a good sign! It means they feel safe, focused, and relaxed, which is perfect for a healthy bedtime routine.12
Why do kids get sleepy after reading? It's not boredom, it's magic! Reading is a calming activity that prepares their minds and bodies for rest.
Turning reading into a daily habit is one of the most powerful things you can do for your child. Just 10 minutes a day can build vocabulary, boost imagination, and create a lifelong love for books.
Reading is a gentle workout for little eyes. The focus required to follow words on a page naturally makes them feel sleepy and ready for bed.

Starting the Reading Journey for Ages 0-6

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Kahaani Box Kids LibraryVisit 3 libraries in Bengaluru; Home delivery across India

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