Modern India by Bipan Chandra This way no content is missed and easy revision could be done. It provides a general history of modern India, at places the writer gives more weightage to Nehruvian and left-wing ideology making some pages more of a propaganda, and less of the fact. History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra, PDF Download. Hello Friends, एक बार फिर Wifigyan.com आप लोगो के लिए History of Modern India का pdf लेकर आया है दोस्तों यह Book Sir Bipan Chandra जी द्वारा लिखा गया है History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra का बुक आप.
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Published in the year 2009, History Of Modern India is a book that revolves around the history of British India, throwing light on the nationalist movement and colonialism.
History Of Modern India is a book that is written by renowned historian, Bipan Chandra. The contents of this book are a result of Chandra’s research on the subjects of colonialism and nationalism in the...more
History Of Modern India is a book that is written by renowned historian, Bipan Chandra. The contents of this book are a result of Chandra’s research on the subjects of colonialism and nationalism in the...more
Published November 17th 2009 by Orient Blackswan Pvt Ltd (first published 2009)
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Varun SolankiNo this is not the name of the chapter.
Best Non-Fiction Writing by Indian Authors 167 books — 145 voters
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Jan 01, 2019Pooja Banga rated it really liked it
This book doesn’t focus on the political factors during that period, but deals with the economic, religious, and social history of India. Through the course of this book, Chandra provides insight on several events in modern Indian history such as the establishment of the British East India Company, which led to a tightened grip of the British over India. Chandra also explains that the major reason behind the colonial rule was to exploit India by means of investment and trade. The chapters in thi...more
This book proves why casual readers need historians like Ramachandra Guha. I gather Bipan Chandra is a highly respected name among those who prepare for civil services. I was disappointed with History of Modern India because I was expecting opinions from an IAS preparation text book. People find history boring in school because it deals merely in facts, dates and names. A study of history is incomplete unless we form opinions about it. We talk about it, discuss, argue and even demolish mosques b...more
I've always wondered why do we even need to read history books. We can't change it, we can't meet the people who were involved and doesn't matter how good an author is, we never really feel the actual urge that the characters of the story must've had felt. This book starts from decline of the era of Mughals that means basically from the era of Aurangzeb and has concluded on 15th August 1947, the day we got our independence. But if I just said that history was not a worthwhile endeavor, then why...more
Jun 13, 2019Pragati Kulshrestha rated it it was ok
The book is nothing but a verbatim recreation of ncert book on modern india by bipan chandra which has been discontinued by ncert now. This Books Solely Deals With History & Time Of Britishers & Revolutionaries, From The Inception Of Revolts Against Britishers.
It is v good read for anyone (specially students) interested in having a comprehensive viewpoint of all that has happened from 1757 - 1857 and beyond till independence. All the events are elucidated and are arranged under various r...more
It is v good read for anyone (specially students) interested in having a comprehensive viewpoint of all that has happened from 1757 - 1857 and beyond till independence. All the events are elucidated and are arranged under various r...more
Feb 16, 2016Abby Varghese rated it really liked it
Such a great book which serves as an introduction to History of India. This book gives a brief account of events that led to the formation of India as we know today. I loved this book because its not very factual but had an analytic edge which helps for CS aspirants.
Overall this is the best book I have read till now to get an holistic view of modern history of India.
Overall this is the best book I have read till now to get an holistic view of modern history of India.
Jan 02, 2019Aachal Bidwai rated it it was ok
Best part of this book is that It’s compact, and handy to be finished in a day or two. But is not the best one if you want to dive into the British Indian history of colonialism. It’s missing Chronology and thus the beauty of context seems to be lost. Also, it’s descriptive and not prescriptive i.e it doesn’t provide (an) analysis or even any backdrop for it. Even for Civil Services Aspirants, I’ll recommend one quick skim-through this book and then move on with Spectrum for revisions and note m...more
Overall a good book. A fair enough idea about the freedom struggle is in this book. But it lacks depth. So many important incidents are just mentioned or are not explained further. Many important personalities are not given due coverage, including Bose, Patel etc. Over emphasis on the deeds of Nehru is seen. So this book can't be counted as a comprehensive read of our freedom struggle. But good enough to get a blur picture of what has happened over the struggle years.
Aug 18, 2015Sharayu Gangurde rated it did not like it
Greatly disappointed with this book. It vilifies the British badly and I have never read such an anti-British book ever. Did not think Bipin Chandra would ever present history in such a manner. He seems very biased about certain social reformers and leaders. I fail to understand how could this book be on the NCERT syllabus! Not worth Civil Services prep for sure.
Sep 03, 2014Keerthy rated it really liked it
This book gives a brief account of events that tied India together after the fall of Mughal Empire and the freedom struggle. Serves as an introductory read to those interested in the history of India.
Unlike India's struggle for Independence, this happens to be a mere compilation of facts. For more exhaustive and opinion-based work India's struggle... by the same author, would be my recommendation.
Nov 03, 2013Rohit Shinde rated it liked it
A bit biased toward Congress I think.
Its a bleeding text book. That's what this is.
A neat and clean write up on the History of India. Well written. Good reference book for competitive exams.
Apr 25, 2014Sarath Ramakrishnan rated it liked it
A reprint of old NCERT 11th standard text book. Average. Biased at times.
TL;DR
This book provides a brief summary of the Indian history from the period of the downfall of Moghul Empire (1707- Aurangazeb's death) to the Indian Independence from the British rule in 1947. It provides an account of the following events of the Modern Indian History: the fall of Mughal Empire, the rise, and fall of the Marathas, the rise of the East Indian Company (EIC), the 1857 revolt, the birth of Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885, the Gandhian Era, and finally the Independence and...more
This book provides a brief summary of the Indian history from the period of the downfall of Moghul Empire (1707- Aurangazeb's death) to the Indian Independence from the British rule in 1947. It provides an account of the following events of the Modern Indian History: the fall of Mughal Empire, the rise, and fall of the Marathas, the rise of the East Indian Company (EIC), the 1857 revolt, the birth of Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885, the Gandhian Era, and finally the Independence and...more
History of modern india talks briefly about the reasons why which the mughal empire vanquished and how did british emerged victorious apart from it tells us about the british era problems and how a common indian except princes ate affected from it and what disaster this foreign rule were to Indians , this book also talks about in detail the freedom struggle and different leaders involve in it and their persona of effect as well as it describes the indian freedom struggle was conducted in three p...more
Apr 22, 2019Shubham Srivastava rated it really liked it
History by someone you can consider the most appropriate one to write. A clear description of events during the end of medieval period, the freedom struggle and finally a brief of journey into the challenges of a free India.
This gives us a good intellectual exercise while discussing the sensitive attitude. The author has taken a slight socialist bent while explaining. Not many authors are able to present history is such elaboration and lucidity.
Must read for every citizen of India
This gives us a good intellectual exercise while discussing the sensitive attitude. The author has taken a slight socialist bent while explaining. Not many authors are able to present history is such elaboration and lucidity.
Must read for every citizen of India
Between history text books of high school and this book, one gets unique perspectives of social and political narrative of india. From the decline of mughals to the reign of britishers and the independence of india, this is a handbook to get a overview of events of the period. Loved reading the book.
Apr 17, 2018Ismail Lakdawala rated it really liked it
He gets a little repeatitive in the first half. A few chapters overlap the facts.
He describes the decline of Mughals in comprehensive details. Pays equal attention at mentioning efforts of every person involved in the freedom struggle.
Gave me some insight to reflect our history upon today's society.
He describes the decline of Mughals in comprehensive details. Pays equal attention at mentioning efforts of every person involved in the freedom struggle.
Gave me some insight to reflect our history upon today's society.
A fast paced book on how and what's of India that took place for over a couple of centuries.
This book is a compact overview, highlighting all the important events that took place in this period and how it shaped the Indian Subcontinent.
If you are a history buff and want a quick read, this is the book.
This book is a compact overview, highlighting all the important events that took place in this period and how it shaped the Indian Subcontinent.
If you are a history buff and want a quick read, this is the book.
Mar 26, 2019vivek bhagat rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Good for getting overview of Indian struggle for independence
Bipan Chandra has written in very simple words the reasons and implications of colonialism in India. And he has done this task by explaining it from all point of views like administration, economic, political etc.
Bipan Chandra has written in very simple words the reasons and implications of colonialism in India. And he has done this task by explaining it from all point of views like administration, economic, political etc.
A brief introduction to colonial history of India that can be a good start for studies in modern Indian history. It gives a more or less balanced view of the events in the time line. While it may not appeal to subaltern nationalistic sentiments, it certainly comes in handy for an aspirant.
May 07, 2019Eric Miranda rated it it was amazing
This is more a factual and academic(popular for IAS students as I understand) book focused on historical accuracy, rather than mainly opinions and narratives. I highly recommend this if you're looking for a factual rather than narrative description of the history of modern India.
This book takes you through the journey of India from the fall of Mughal Empire and other princely state empires to the advent of British- The political, economical, social and cultural impact of almost 200 years of English Rule. This books depicts the issues in an Indian nationalist view.
Jul 21, 2018Paramkusam Niranjan rated it liked it
Good book with structured explanation of socioeconomic and political India
Before you attempt to comment on Indian histroy, please read it at least once.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Good book to read .
Apr 12, 2018Apoorva Chitravanshi rated it really liked it
This book is just an overview of India's past during british era. Reading this will give you an overview of how India's freedom struggle moved with passing years. Must read for every Indian.
Aug 20, 2017Abhinay Dubey rated it really liked it
A great view of how we got the Independence from British. Social, Political, Economic aspects are briefly covered, along with all the major incidents leading to August 15, 1947.
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Bipan Chandra (born 1928) is an Indian historian, specialising in economic and political history of modern India. He has specialized on the national movement. He is considered an authority on Modern Indian History and is one of its most popular scholars.
Source for information : Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipan_Ch... ) and for the Author's photograph : Penguin ( http://www.penguinbook...more
Source for information : Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipan_Ch... ) and for the Author's photograph : Penguin ( http://www.penguinbook...more
The Indian national movement driven by the idea of self-governing state marked the beginning of a new era.
With many political ideologies on the rise, India had to reform or risk a civil war.
In this summary, we try to cover the events which shaped India’s inner fight for independence.
Who Should Read “India’s Struggle for Independence”? And Why?
Gandhi and other leaders comprised the Indian national movement as the single largest anti-apartheid organization in the 20th century.
The difficulties they faced under the British rule impelled the Indians to fight back and drive this mighty empire out of their land. However, it didn’t end here.
When it comes to the recommendation, we believe that “India’s Struggle for Independence” is a must for every Indian!
About Bipan Chandra
Bipan Chandra was a renowned Indian historian and specialist in economics. He was also hailed for his contribution to Indian society by divulging valuable info regarding different periods.
He wrote several books, almost all related to the political and social climate in India.
“India’s Struggle for Independence PDF Summary”
The end of World War II triggered a decisive blow to the British colonial rule. Their grip on power was slipping, and the powerful thrust delivered by the national movement compelled Britain to leave India, once and for all.
The first collective protest – 1857
The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was not a riot but an uprising triggered by the unlimited power and oppressive policies of the British East India Company. In Indian books, this rebellion can be associated with different names such as The Great Rebellion, The Indian Mutiny, the Revolt of 1857, etc.
It signified India’s first wave of independence which commenced on May 10th, 1857.
The rebellion began in the form of a small riot against a wide variety of repressive politics – northeast of Delhi. The rage spread like wildfire, and it quickly reached many parts of India. The British realized that the rise of nationalism posed a threat to their rule, and they managed to subside it by June 20th, 1858.
A few months later, the British officials tried to ease off the pressure swarming in the region by granting amnesty to those protestors who weren’t directly involved in any shooting. Nonetheless, the tension and hostilities remained a big issue.
Fed up with the destructive policies, heavy taxes on poor peasants and special treatment for princes and other landowners – the Indian bitterness continued. Not for a single moment that they were convinced in the British “modernization” of India.
Divide and conquer was a powerful blow for united India since many of them served in the British army or remained submissive to British influence. Indian independent fighters and leaders didn’t have the full support from the people, at least not yet.
At the time, hatred and crime became an integral part of everyday life. British officials and ordinary citizens faced the consequences of this riot. It backfired on the rioters since their supporters were injured during the process, as a result of British retaliation.
In Meerut, the protestors unleashed a reign of terror on the British authorities and appointed their 81-year old Mughal ruler, Bahadur Shah Zafar, as the Emperor of Hindustan. They spearheaded a campaign and took control over a large portion of the North-Western Provinces and Awadh.
The East India Company surely wasn’t going to let the rebels wrest control over large areas. They responded fiercely and seized control of Kanpur soon after the reinforcements arrived. By the end of September 1857, Delhi was retaken, and rebellion put in control.
Other regions weren’t so inclined to help their Indian counterparts and remained relatively neutral throughout the conflict. In the Punjab area, the British mobilized Indian soldiers to support their campaign to the North.
The other provinces ruled by princes such as Hyderabad, Mysore, Travancore, and Kashmir, didn’t support the rebellion as well.
At the end of the conflict, Britain was urged to rearrange its structure and reform the army in India. The protestors demanded more rights, which inflicted a significant blow to the East India Company. Through the enforcement of India Act 1858 – the administration was revolutionized, and the East India Company dissolved.
Free Press and World War 1
From 1870 to 1918, the national movement was still on the rise, without a clear policy on how to continue its struggle. Active mobilization and awakening were critical to the “funding” of the fight against the oppressor.
The leaders wanted to stimulate national pride and enforce this nationalist ideology through the press. Propaganda became an essential asset, and scattering this information was easier said than done.
Many newspapers thrived under pressure led by fearless and just journalist. Let’s mention a few of those:
- The Hindu and Swadesamitran under the editorship of G. Subramaniya Iyer, Kesari
- Mahratta under B.G. Tilak
- Bengalee under Surendranath Banerjea
- Amrita Bazar Patrika under Sisir Kumar Ghosh and Motilal Ghosh
- Sudharak under G.K. Gokhale, Indian Mirror under N.N. Sen,
- Voice of India under Dadabhai Naoroji
At the time, newspapers and journals were something similar to public service. They were not private organizations which had the freedom to express their viewpoints.
Therefore, it wasn’t easy to publicly criticize one or several aspects related to the government. To continue their work, they’d often absorb the role of an adviser, or someone who warns the government of their wrongdoings in order to expose some radical and nationalist ideas. It was a good cover, for the time being.
Many Indian newspapers emerged in the 1870s with a strong narrative against Lord Lytton and its policies. In those days, the main topic was the famine in 1876, which was preventable but the authorities decided to do nothing in that regard.
To counter these allegations, the government initiated an act, according to which, the Indian language newspapers weren’t allowed to publish any more columns and stories. It was because of their rhetoric and penetrating terminology.
The act was enacted in secrecy to avoid potential riots and disagreements to sprout up.
As expected, the Indian nationalist movement voiced grave concerns about the act. The British attempted to silence their voice, and as a result, several demonstrations emerged. One of them was the journalist coup in 1905.
Surendranath Banerjee was given the “honor” of becoming the first Indian journalist who was imprisoned. He was also one of the founders of the Indian national movement.
The onset of World War I, back in 1914, was seen as an opportunity by the Indians. They believed that while Britain is engaged in defending their own shores, they could seize this opportunity and gain independence.
The Ghadarites advocated for putting an end to British rule in a violent manner, but that didn’t pan out as hoped.
Gandhi’s Rise as a Political Figure and the Movement
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is not only Indian but a global figure whose actions helped the establishment of a free Indian state. In March 1919 he called upon his countrymen to start or should we say launch Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) against the Rowlatt Act.
Although this moment has had a massive influence on his political career, we ought to get back in order to get a bird’s eye view of his life. As a 24-year-old barrister, he was shocked by the racial tensions and discrimination in South Africa.
He even declared that while in London, the racial topic wasn’t as heated as it was in South Africa. Upon its arrival there, he immediately engaged himself with the Indian community. During those meetings, he offered his services as an English teacher, because he believed that knowing the oppressor is a vital tool one can possess.
Just so there’s no confusion, we are not criticizing the British people, who had very little influence on the policies enforced by the elite. However, the system was wrong, and thus Gandhi managed to convince his people to inveigh against colonial despotism targeting the Free Press.
In the 1930s, there was a huge awakening among the poor Indian peasants, who even to this day struggle to make a living. They advocated for a better working environment to feed their children and protect them.
Many political parties arrived on the scene, claiming to be the voice of the people.
The Bolshevik revolution in 1917 somehow contributed to the creation of two left-wing parties: The Communist Party of India, and the Indian National Congress.
The political diversity striving for independence was also enriched with political and right-wing activists. They joined the Congress and added fuel to the national movement. Incarceration, arrests, and riots were common.
During the anti-imperialist campaign, the political parties also opposed the autocratic society, which was built on exploitation and hardship. The political solidarity united the nation, which will prove to be crucial to the establishment of India a bit later.
Post War Structure
After the defeat of Nazi Germany, the world found itself on the edge once more, divided between two ideologies. For India, this was seen as a way out; a real opportunity to end the political saga. In 1947 that actually started to take place.
The Congress had to acknowledge the fact that the country must integrate various political opinions and secure independence. During that time, the Congress endeavored in uniting the leaders against a common threat and raise nationalist consciousness.
Britain was out, but that didn’t solve the Muslim issue in the country. It became evident that the Muslims led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876-1948) wanted to break away from India and form their own country – a modern-day Pakistan.
The British dominance collapsed in the region, but they won against Hitler. That was some kind of a consolation prize for them.
30th of June 1948 remained the official date when the British would pack their bags and leave India. The Congress announced the date to urge the political figures into finding an acceptable solution and thwart an escalating institutional crisis.
The Congress received British confirmation for leaving the country and allowing the Indian people to self-govern themselves. This news was greeted with enthusiasm among the Indian public, as things started to move to the desired direction.
The Constituent Assembly faced some obstacles from the start. It was decided that if Muslim provinces don’t join the proceedings, then the power will automatically be transferred to more than one central Government.
Between 3rd of June to 15th of August 1947, there was a heated political debate about the transfer of power. The Congress discreetly allowed Jinnah to violate the sovereignty of the Constituent Assembly. Probably, the Pakistanis would disagree on this one, but we are not here to judge.
The Muslim League was driven by communalism (allegiance to an ethnic group rather than on the broader society), and that was something neither Nehru nor Gandhi could have stopped. Nehru, on one occasion, stated that he doesn’t want to be blackmailed, and abide by someone else’s rules.
He also didn’t want his people to be in any danger due to riots that plagued the nation.
It came to the conclusion that once Pakistan is established, there will be nothing left to fight for. He assumed that the Partition would signify the peaceful resolution of the issue.
It’s needless to say that the Muslims weren’t very fond of neither Gandhi nor Nehru. According to Bipan, Mahatma Gandhi should have done better at communicating with its people, because as it turns out, Jinnah was not his greatest adversary.
The stalemate was over, and on August 15th, 1947 people danced on the streets. Even though their nation was split into two (India and Pakistan), they were overwhelmed with joy and excitement.
Note: We don’t take sides with either country, nor we support violence.
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“India’s Struggle for Independence Quotes”
There was a greater truth — that of a glorious struggle, hard-fought and hard-won, in which many fell martyrs and countless others made sacrifices, dreaming of the day India would be free. That day had come. The people of India saw that… Click To TweetIf today we fail, tomorrow we will try and if tomorrow we fail, we will try again. Click To TweetKings are made for the people, not peoples for their Kings. Click To TweetThe deceiver loses when there is correct response from the deceived. Click To TweetWould go to the length of giving the whole Congress organization a decent burial, rather than put up with the corruption that is rampant. Click To TweetOur Critical Review
To sum up, the Indian national movement manifested the will of the people, which wasn’t on the same wavelength as the colonial interest of Britain.
It will be inaccurate to say that the fight is over. India still faces a lot of problems, such as poverty and social class differences but continues to recover.
As well as, external issues with its closest neighbors.
Learn more and more, in the speed that the world demands.