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uditnair24's review against another edition
3.0
One of the integral sources for understanding the Indian freedom struggle.
alok_pandey's review against another edition
4.0
There are not many books that discuss and debate facts and don't let the reader feel drowsy while doing that. This one surely secures a place among those. It is written in an extremely prosaic manner that gives you the sense that you are reading an interesting piece of fiction. While there are conspicuous ideological biases here and there, mostly centre-left, the writers overall do a pretty decent job keeping their objectivity intact. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to get an insight in India's freedom struggle, the leadership and the ideological dimension of the same that made this struggle one of the most celebrated ones of our time. It demolishes some of the most widespread and ill-informed myths and misunderstandings related to the same, buttressed with credible facts - the reference section of the book is 43 pages long!!
Surely, there must be another book that tells this same story from a more centre-right point of view, that will complement this book, and I will now be looking for it.
Surely, there must be another book that tells this same story from a more centre-right point of view, that will complement this book, and I will now be looking for it.
nithin2606's review against another edition
4.0
The bias is too apparent to miss. When it comes to history, I don't think it's easy to find un-biased books, one can read books from both sides of the spectrum and form an opinion. It's a good read, but fails to mention many more freedom fighters and thier contribution.
nithesh_123's review against another edition
4.0
A very well researched book. I love the presentation of the facts. Being a history lover , I regret not studying this for my graduate studies. This book makes one understand why India could not become in a matter of 20-30 year 'suddenly' as some radical proponents say. It also helps one to understand the nature of Gandhi's politics. A book that everyone should read to understand our freedom movement and appreciate its uniqueness.
With this , i finish my 'edited' reading challenge for this year. It has come down from 40 to 30. But still, it is substantial. Also, it is necessary to compromise on some 'goals' in order to achieve 'larger' goals.
With this , i finish my 'edited' reading challenge for this year. It has come down from 40 to 30. But still, it is substantial. Also, it is necessary to compromise on some 'goals' in order to achieve 'larger' goals.
spacestationtrustfund's review against another edition
2.0
As supplementary material to other more comprehensive sources, this book is fine. The focus is primarily on certain areas of India (it's a very large country!), with a lot of positive emphasis on Gandhi, Neheru, Congress, etc.; there's barely a mention of Netaji, on the other hand, which is odd because some of the writers are Bengali.
rashid228's review
2.0
2 stars are not for the content. Content is great but the readability of the book was bad.
This book works great for academic purposes as it is divided into chapters focussing on different aspects of freedom, which was a problem for me as it was not set up in a narrative way. It felt more like my school books ( older class 12 NCRT ). I think for casual readers there are books which are more reader friendly.
This book works great for academic purposes as it is divided into chapters focussing on different aspects of freedom, which was a problem for me as it was not set up in a narrative way. It felt more like my school books ( older class 12 NCRT ). I think for casual readers there are books which are more reader friendly.
meowlvika's review
2.0
It's okayish. Slightly boring, and not very objective. Either way, feel free to give it a try. (Would suggest that you brush up on Indian history before reading this.) It's more like a collection of essays.
adarsh's review
4.0
This is the first real book on the history of Indian independence struggle that I have read so that does raise doubts about rating it - a history book - without having anything else to draw comparison from. But then I think it’s good in a way as I won’t be prejudiced in my review. I’ll settle for giving it 4 stars.
I thought it was a great book. For a first timer like me it was a great place to start reading about India’s independence struggle. It presents a complete overview of independence movement and also talks about the socio-economic backdrop against which the struggle was set and how relevant were the methods adopted. There were times when I was left wanting for more details regarding certain events, but then if the author had catered to that the book would have ended up being doubly or triply thick. And a very hard read for a rookie.
One thing going against the book would be that the whole tale is told from the perspective of Congress. You’ll often feel that the author is trying to justify the congress’ or Gandhi’s stance just because, well, they lead the freedom movement. The author repeatedly indulges in rationalizing their decisions which, though might not be completely incorrect, does cast doubts in the readers' mind regarding author's neutrality. It is easy to say in the hindsight that all their decisions were right since they succeeded in the end. It would have been much better if the book had maintained a more neutral tone. This is why it didn't seem fair to give it 5 stars.
But otherwise this is a very good book that gives quite a clear insight into the freedom struggle. It was quite a humbling experience to read about the movement and the great leaders behind it, many of whom are rarely acknowledged today. Their lives and ideologies are elucidated with reasonable detail and often with amusing anecdotes.
I must accept that it was also a bit embarrassing after having completed the book that I knew so less about our own history. You will come to know about the lives and ideologies of men who were absolute intellectuals. You’ll realize how bold and modern the idea of a united, democratic, sovereign and secular India was at that time under the then prevailing conditions. Had it not been for the clear understanding about India’s socio-economic realities and needs by the leaders of the movement and their vision for the future of the country India would have ended up being another Pakistan.
I would recommend this book for everyone who wants to know and understand Indian independence movement.
I thought it was a great book. For a first timer like me it was a great place to start reading about India’s independence struggle. It presents a complete overview of independence movement and also talks about the socio-economic backdrop against which the struggle was set and how relevant were the methods adopted. There were times when I was left wanting for more details regarding certain events, but then if the author had catered to that the book would have ended up being doubly or triply thick. And a very hard read for a rookie.
One thing going against the book would be that the whole tale is told from the perspective of Congress. You’ll often feel that the author is trying to justify the congress’ or Gandhi’s stance just because, well, they lead the freedom movement. The author repeatedly indulges in rationalizing their decisions which, though might not be completely incorrect, does cast doubts in the readers' mind regarding author's neutrality. It is easy to say in the hindsight that all their decisions were right since they succeeded in the end. It would have been much better if the book had maintained a more neutral tone. This is why it didn't seem fair to give it 5 stars.
But otherwise this is a very good book that gives quite a clear insight into the freedom struggle. It was quite a humbling experience to read about the movement and the great leaders behind it, many of whom are rarely acknowledged today. Their lives and ideologies are elucidated with reasonable detail and often with amusing anecdotes.
I must accept that it was also a bit embarrassing after having completed the book that I knew so less about our own history. You will come to know about the lives and ideologies of men who were absolute intellectuals. You’ll realize how bold and modern the idea of a united, democratic, sovereign and secular India was at that time under the then prevailing conditions. Had it not been for the clear understanding about India’s socio-economic realities and needs by the leaders of the movement and their vision for the future of the country India would have ended up being another Pakistan.
I would recommend this book for everyone who wants to know and understand Indian independence movement.
subru's review
4.0
great book from a great historian
the most eye opening part was that of the initial days of Congress, the values they brought up
the most eye opening part was that of the initial days of Congress, the values they brought up
rgksugan's review
3.0
The author seems more biased towards INC. Other than that the book was a masterpiece.