India. A History in Objects

This comprehensive visual narrative offers an authoritative account of one of the planet's oldest and most dynamic cultures, highlighted through South Asian art and artefacts spanning from prehistoric times to today. Arranged in chronological order and richly decorated with carefully chosen objects, this excellent overview creates a link between contemporary India and its historical roots. The initial chapters delve into prehistoric items dating back 1.5 million years, explore artefacts from the Indus Valley Civilization, and trace the origins and spread of Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Sikhism, alongside the introduction of Zoroastrianism, Islam, and Christianity. Throughout the medieval period, expertise in stone and bronze sculpting and temple construction flourished. Pilgrimages, from ancient times to the modern era, have played a crucial role in the dissemination of social, political, and religious concepts. The Mughal dynasty, the final Muslim rulers of India, heralded an era where India again ascended to be an economic powerhouse, as evidenced by a distinctive Mughal artistic style in painting, intricate hardstone carvings, and metalwork. With the Europeans' arrival during the early Mughal era, trade in spices, textiles, and opulent goods saw a notable boost. The 19th century, under British colonial rule, integrated much of South Asia into a vast trade network stretching across the globe. The 20th-century movement towards modernism and political independence revitalized Indian culture, particularly in cinema, dance, and music. This impressive narrative showcases a vast spectrum of history and culture, from the grand dynastic empires to the rustic and tribal ways of life on the subcontinent, delivering a captivating visual history of some of the world's most ancient cultures.