Indian Cities—Ancient and Medieval

It's a fantastic history book that is easy to read and compact for both readers and prospective students. The history of the cities from the Harappan civilization, Mauryan rule, the Sangam period, the earlier and later Deccan, the Chola Empire, and the Mughals is highlighted in this book.Effectively, the book is divided into nine chapters, and endnotes and references are given individually. The chapters have been meticulously crafted with important details, historical proof, and thoroughly investigated theories. Alongside the conversation, numerous images pertaining to the setting, essential maps, and a timeline of the main events have been allocated.The general public, historians, students, and history buffs can all benefit from this book. This book provides valuable information. I highly suggest that everyone read it.

Raghavan Srinivasan's Indian Cities Ancient and Medieval offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the urban centres that have shaped India's history and culture. The book delves into the intricate details of city planning, architecture, social structures, economic activities, and cultural significance of these ancient and medieval cities.Srinivasan skillfully weaves together historical narratives, archaeological findings, and textual evidence to paint a vivid picture of these urban landscapes. He examines the grid-like layouts, water systems, and monumental structures that characterized ancient Indian cities, highlighting the advanced urban planning of the time. The book also explores the diverse architectural styles, materials, and techniques used in constructing temples, palaces, and fortifications.Beyond the physical aspects of these cities, Srinivasan delves into the social and economic dynamics that shaped their character. He discusses the caste systems, trade networks, and agricultural practices that underpinned the urban economy. The book also examines the religious and cultural significance of Indian cities, highlighting the role of temples, mosques, and other religious structures in shaping urban life.One of the strengths of Srinivasan's work is his ability to contextualize the development of Indian cities within a broader historical framework. He explores the impact of various dynasties, invasions, and cultural exchanges on the character and evolution of these urban centers. This historical perspective provides a deeper understanding of the factors that contributed to the rise and decline of different cities.Overall, Indian Cities Ancient and Medieval is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and culture of India. Srinivasan's engaging writing style and meticulous research make this book a pleasure to read. Whether you are a historian, archaeologist, or simply curious about India's past, this book offers a wealth of insights into the fascinating world of ancient and medieval Indian cities.

If you wish to read about the history of the Indus Valley Civilisation and how the cities came into existence, this is the book you would need to pick.The book starts with the history of the Indus Valley and all the cities we excavated in the civilisation. The book talks about Harappa, Mohanjodaro, Lothal, Dholavira and then later talks about medieval Indian cities.This is a concise form of information about civilisation and how we came into the society that we see today.The book's portrayal of India's technological and cultural achievements, often surpassing modern standards, is particularly impressive. The well-structured timelines and city comparisons make the historical narrative both captivating and accessible.I have read other works by Raghavan as well and they all stand out. Research-backed and concise information is his forte.

“Ancient Cities – Ancient and Medieval” by Raghavan Srinivasan as the name suggests will transport you to ancient and medieval India and you will enjoy every single minute of it. The author through this book has tried to explore and portray the picture of what civilization was in the olden times. The book is divided into 9 parts starting from the Harappa Civilization and ending with the Mughal empire. The author’s research about the topic is commendable as various facts about the civilizations have been provided throughout the book. My favourite part of this book are the little takeaway pointers and quizzes at the end of each chapter making it an enjoyable read. The writing has been kept simple yet technical making it easy to grasp the information. I enjoyed the chapter on the Mughal empire as the Mughal era has always fascinated me. I was blown away with some of the facts!Although I enjoyed the book, I would have loved it if it was a bit more detailed. I wouldn’t have minded if it was 400-500 page books with detailed descriptions of the findings and their interpretation from all the cities mentioned.“Ancient Cities – Ancient and Medieval” is an informative read that will certainly broaden our knowledge of Indian history. Through this book you get a glance of what the society was during ancient and medieval India. The author’s attempt to provide various trivia will definitely attract history enthusiasts to this book.