Interested in Indian Politics? Dont Miss These Books

Biographies and books of some prominent people of Indian political history which are full of interesting and factual knowledge about Indian politics.

 

Know about these books.

1.The Wonder That Was India

Author: AL Basham

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Starting from Indus Valley civilization along with detailed information about Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, the book explores early time periods that throw light on India’s rich cultural heritage. It traces various time periods and eras of Indian history with extensive source of text, which is narrative, simple to understand and keeps the reader engaged.

2.Guilty Man of India's Partition

Author: RM Lohia

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The author states at the beginning that this work started as an answer to Maulana Azad''s book (memior), but later got extended to include his own views on the partition.
The 'book' is essentially one long essay, (with section numbers appearing intermittently), though it is not actually organized as per the section numbers! It is more like a stream of thought, taking detours & following up stray points, but basically includes a critique of Azad''s work, the author's own (idealistic) ideas about how India could have remained (and may yet be) reunited, and also contains a number of interesting tidbits (generally uncomplimentary) involving our 'great' leaders.

3.Islam The Arab National Movement

Author: Anwar Shaikh

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This is the kind of book that makes apologists' heads spin;Shaikh makes sure to back up every one of his assertions with quotations from the Koran (the English version he uses is the much-celebrated AJ Arberry version) as well as numerous "strong" hadiths from Arabic, Urdu, and English collections.  so powerful and well-argued was it that, according to Tariq Ali in his book "The Class of Fundamentalisms" (wherein I discovered Shaikh, thanks Tariq), numerous clerics in Europe were in a panic since unlike the easy Rushdie fatwa, the clerics couldn't debunk Shaikh's assertions and his reliable sources. The dared not make him famous like Rushdie and allow his book to garner too much publicity.
Later in life Shaikh converted to Hinduism.

4.Muslim league attack on Sikhs and Hindus in the Punjab 1947

Author: S Gurbachan Singh Talib

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The Partition of India led to one of the greatest population movements in the 20th century. The appendix contains an account of the atrocities of the period 1946-1947 that was recorded by eye-witnesses or by press reports. According to one of these press reports (The Statesman of April 15, 1947), in one village ninety women jumped into a well and drowned to "evade inglorious surrender" and save their honour. In one such incident, Muslim "goondas" (thugs) in Lahore received packets containing "churis" (bangles) and "mehndi" (henna) from some Muslims of Amritsar. Ahmed describes this as a "bizzare antic meant to shame them for their unmanliness and cowardice and for being women like (as women wear bangles and apply henna) at not finishing off Hindus and Sikhs", thereby inciting them into violence against Hindus and Sikhs. The book also records the attacks on the Dehra Sahib Gurdwara of Lahore, an important Sikh site of the martyrdom of Sri Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs. The book claims that due to the Muslim League, the Muslim attacks on Sikhs and Hindus were well organized, and that Amritsar was the "worst sufferer" among the cities of the Punjab.

5.Pakistan Or Partition of India

Author: BR Ambedkar

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Ambedkar doesn't mince words when he does a detailed analysis of pros and cons of partitioning India. In doing so, Ambedkar analyses the then Muslim and Hindu society and goes to the origin of the problem.
He makes many statements in this book that would make a hardcore Hindu nationalist blush.

He clearly states in the prologue that the aim of writing this book (written in 1945) is to expound the scheme of Pakistan and not to advocate it. Using his economist and law background, he makes both for and against the case for Pakistan. The book was broadly divided in to five parts; Muslim case for Pakistan, Hindu case against Pakistan, what if not Pakistan, Pakistan & its malaise and Must there be a Pakistan. In the final section, he presents his own views in unequivocal terms.

5a.Pakistan Or Partition of India (Hindi)

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6.India Wins Freedom

Author: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

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"India Wins Freedom", some interesting points about this book:-

The book is by Maulana Abul kalam Azad, who remained Congress President for almost 6 yrs (1939 - 46). This was critical 2nd world war period and very crucial from Indian freedom movement perspective. During this period he was in key decision making and negotiating role with Britishers. During his tenure, there happened Cripp's Mission, Simla Conference, the British Cabinet Mission resolution and many more important discussions. Basically, this period paved the way towards Freedom and partition. And he played very leading role in every decsion till he was president.

 Maulana Azad, unlike Gandhi ji and his followers, was not a non-Violence believer. He just believed that non-violent way was the best way to achieve freedom. So he had differences with Gandhiji and others on related issues. So that gives another interesting view of the pre-partition times.

Being Muslim, why and how he opppsed Jinnah, and the two nation theory, is another crucial view represented in the book.

There are so many surprising revelations made about Sardar Patel and Nehru, by him in this book. Like for example, how Sardar Patel was created by Gandhiji and was very dear to him, but after partition Sardar Patel completely turned against him, even insulted him. He in fact puts part of blame of Gandhi's assassination on Sardar Patel!

6a.India Wins Freedom (Hindi)

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7.At Home In India

Author: Salman Khurshid

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 As a former Union minister who has held several crucial portfolios, Salman Khurshid, on the basis of his vast and varied experience, recounts how Muslims in India accept this country as their own despite many provocations and allegations doubting their patriotism.Post-Independence, Salman Khurshid emphasizes the importance of outstanding Muslim leaders who served as role models for the younger generation. The author does not shy away from hypersensitive issues such as terrorism, communal riots, a Uniform Civil Code, present-day Muslim leadership (or lack of) and the place of women in Islam, with a focus on the Shah Bano case. He underscores the significance of the ‘trust deficit’ on the part of Muslims vis-à-vis the police (based on a recent report of the directors-general of police from different states) and spotlights the July 2014 verdict of the Supreme Court with regard to the Shariat and fatwas. 

8.Urban Naxals

Author: Vivek Agnihotri

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A much needed book exposing the virus of Urban Naxalism that is spreading across India in a very subtle manner. Once you read the book, you can clearly see the patterns and connect the dots, understand the motives, agendas and modus operandi of these Urban Naxals who are very instrumental in providing arms and money to the violent wing of Maoists in forests.

Urban Naxals is actually multiple books in one book. Semi autobiographical at one level, at another level – it is about the making of his latest movie – Buddha in a Traffic Jam - the conception, getting it made and reaching it to the audience and linked to the movie, his general views on Left Wingers, Naxalites , Tribal oppression and how they are collectively screwed by the Naxals as well as the government, the infiltration of the Naxal thought thru academic institutes of repute.

there is considerable merit in Mr Agnihotri’s central premise….especially about Tribals and their exploitation – both by the Government and Naxals….and how the poor guys are sandwiched between a philosophy of Naxalism and all its egalitarian connotations that sounds noble but does not have a sound delivery system a Government whose efforts to rehabilitate are enveloped in corruption , lethargy and a delivery system that leaks all the way. The book shows the infiltration of the Maoist thought into campuses thru self seeking professors brain washing impressionable students.

8a.Urban Naxals (Hindi)

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9.Who Killed Shastri?

Author: Vivke Agnihotri

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It is a monologue cum thriller cum an investigative journey. A true account of struggle but a page turner. One feels engrossed in the struggle of the author to seek the ever elusive truth. The narrative is simple and honest and touches you. A must read for all those who are interested in our Second Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri ( technically third if you take caretaker Prime Minister Gulzari Lal Nanda into account) or interested in polity or espionage or ideology. Additional read is suggested as Mitrokhin Archives . After this book your Political vision may change forever if you were one of those brought up in dark period between 1960s to 2K.Even if you have seen the movie ‘Tashkent Files’ , this book is immensely readable.

The book has all the right ingredients, mystery, history, human behavior, politics and has its heart at the right place. A true tribute to the unsung hero of our nation! Jai sastriji.

10.BOSE or GANDHI : Who Got India Her Freedom?

Author: Maj Gen. (Retd.) GD Bakshi

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Who got India her freedom? One might think that this question would be asked only in the classrooms, by kids trying to prove the superiority of one hero over another in a majestic process, like asking the name of the strongest Avenger.

The fact that this question is almost never asked in classrooms is a proof of our distorted post-colonial academic system. 'Court Historians' pampered and patronised by Congress regime have left no scope for anybody to challenge the rhetorical claims towards Gandhi and his ostensible noble visions achieving freedom for India single-handedly.

Until now.

Now, finally, questions are being asked, by people experienced in the affairs of the world, especially by those who are well-acquainted with war & peace. The answers they are coming across shatter the myth perpetuated by lies and half-truths fostered by an Anglophile elite. This book is one such exercise. It diligently produces documents that clearly, coldly, unceremoniously provides is with the answer.

It was Bose and his INA, duly supported by the disastrous (from the British point of view) decision to have the INA trials conducted publicly. The book leaves no doubt with respect to this.

It was a fast, breezy read. However, the author is no academic or professional scholar. Like a patriot who knows which hill he has to take and which enemy to kill, he has~

— repeated certain things again and again;

— incorporated certain things and views that are entirely political and personal, rather than keeping the narrative impersonal;

— has added to the core narrative a theoretical framework related to definition and nature of Nation-State, that's not entirely relevant to the present discourse.

Nevertheless, unlike the ancient regime where Bose and his warriors were considered untouchables, this regime has allowed a proper and strategic assessment of their contribution. Utilising that opportunity the author has carried out this exercise that allows us to draw our own conclusions and answers.

10a.BOSE or GANDHI : Who Got India Her Freedom? (Hindi)

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11.The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order

Author: Samul P Huntington

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In this ground-breaking and controversial book, Huntington considers civilisations as being more than just cultures. He emphasises religion as a key player even though the West is rapidly divesting itself of its Judeo-Christian roots. The new world order, following the last world war and the cold war, has been shaped by liberal ideologies and politics, where the secularisation of the West is its dominant instrument. Whereas these liberal peace stances have seemingly reduced tensions and conflict, they are facing two civilisations that challenge the concept that all conflict can be resolved through peaceful means. One is the intolerance of the Islamic world, the other the assertive/aggressive stance of the Chinese as they march towards supplanting the USA as the world’s leading superpower.
This book pulls no punches and has been widely condemned amongst left-wing ideologues. Nevertheless, it details a world where democracy is under scrutiny and totalitarianism gets a free pass. In minimising the existential threat to the West of two civilisations that seek to dominate, are Tolerance, Multiculturalism, Equality and concerns about Human Rights, all that the West has to offer in what amounts to a fundamental clash of civilisations? Are we facing the end of democracy as appeasement gains ground?

12.India: From Curzon to Nehru & after

Author: Durga Das

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Author's first hand account of interaction and observations with the leaders who mattered during freedom struggle and thereafter till into 60s.This book is a an absorbing account of politics and international affairs. Critical sketches of a whole gamut of leaders from Gandhi, Jinnah and many more makes it absorbing reading of the history of the twentieth century.

The book gives some new and fresh insights into the oft repeated story of India's independence.
The book will be of great interest to students of history dealing with India's fight for freedom and independence.

13.My Frozen Turbulence in Kashmir

Author: Jagmohan

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A very good book for those who want to go beyond what is reported and said generally in the media. The author's skills with words are commendable. His take on the real problem of Kashmir is an eye-opener for those who generally miss the nuances of the issue. The author has served twice as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and one of the terms were during the peak of terrorism in the valley. One cannot help but appreciate the author's awareness about ground-level realities and his genuine concern about real, underlying issues. I also particularly enjoyed the chapter on Kashmir's history, as it throws light on what the valley has gone through, be it invasions, famines, floods etc. The only issue is that sometimes things get repetitive, adding unnecessarily to the size of the book. Otherwise, it is a must read for those who want a more objective view of Kashmir issue

14.One Life Is Not Enough

Author: K. Natwar Singh

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Natwar Singh talks about his experiences in Delhi s political corridors and sets the record straight on several events, including the Volcker controversy.Some of his anecdotes about the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty are unique and interesting as he was one of the ultimate insiders. The biggest problem about this book is Natwar Singh trying to walk a tightrope between being honest and trying to maintain good relations, most likely for the future career of his son. On the one hand, he criticizes Nehru for sharing state secrets with Edwina and his foreign policy blunders yet on the other han,d he goes on to praise how important he was for India. He criticizes Rajeev Gandhi for allowing massive corruption and a disastrous policy in Sri Lanka, yet then he turns around and talks about how visionary and nice he was.

Other interesting part of the book involves the allegations that ended his career, and to really understand how the media played judge, jury and executioner, much of it at the behest of Sonia Gandhi, and how clearing his name afterward was made impossile. It raised good questions about the witch-hunt aspect of anti-corruption movements. 

15.Breaking India

Author: Rajiv Malhotra

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The more you read the book the more you sulk at all those schooling years !
As kids we were taught all those things that favor vested interests and conceal/change the narrative of those that project them in bad light !

Thanks to Rajivji for bringing this great book. This is an eye-opener to all Indians to know their own history which was distorted in the past and being destroyed in the present as well. The history being taught in the schools and colleges is completely ridiculous.

Each and every chapter of this book is as much important as your country should be..... each chapter has been discussed with different aspects of India's vulnerability.... serious readers must pay attention while going through the book as it discloses so many breaking India forces which are continuously working from the very past..... Rajiv ji's tremendous research and honesty and brave effort to bring these topics make this book special.... As the writers expect, the readers should know the facts what's is going around us to make our India shattered into bit s and pieces and must create awareness within us and spread it to others..... The book starts with the political thought behind the so called AIT to the present different religious and social tension in Orissa Andhra and far North East states... Different foreign NGO's agendas and so on

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