#608 - The Rise of Ancient Indians : Their Cities, Art, Trade and Science
by Vijender Sharma and illustrated by Meghna Baruah
“The Rise of Ancient Indians : Their Cities, Art, Trade and Science” by Vijender Sharma and illustrated by Meghna Baruah. Published by BluOne Ink in collaboration with FIHCR (Foundation for Indian Historical and Cultural Research) Yuva. An engaging book that presents how civilisation and culture evolved over millennia in India.
The book is an effort to bring a part of Indian history which forms the foundation of our society to children and young adults. Taking a non chronological approach, it spans a vast timeline giving a glimpse into the building of great cities, progress in art and science as well as adventures to distant lands that the ancient Indians embarked on. It helps to gain a deeper understanding and therefore appreciate the history and heritage of ancient India. It not just presents facts which are backed by evidence from archaeological sources but also encourages readers to find out more about the topic.
Divided broadly into three sections, the book talks about the ancient Indians and their lives as well as their contributions to various fields and aspects of life. Starting off with Sindhu Sarasvati Civilization, the book goes on to present the evolution of arts and science and ends with the maritime journeys that the ancient Indians took beyond the Indian mainland to Suvarnadvip which led to a prosperous era of trade and cultural exchange. Most chapters end with multiple interactive activities some of which need parental involvement making it an immersive experience for the entire family. Read the enriching book to delve into the world of the ancient Indians and discover how they have influenced our present in multiple ways.
Being interested in history, my eleven year old son and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this amazing book. It gave us a beautiful glimpse into this ancient world uncovering many lesser known facts and helped us understand how our culture has evolved over time. The narrative was very engaging and simple enough for us to understand it easily enough. It was quite fascinating to read about how the journeys of ancient Indians to Suvarnadvip resulted in connections between Indian culture and theirs. The legacy left behind for the world to savour by our ancestors made us feel very happy. The detailed illustrations helped us imagine the settings better. The interactive activities were very interesting and piqued our curiosity. Books like these defy the myth that history is boring. The way chapters have been organised around various themes is one of the highlights of the book for me. Overall this is a “MUST READ” for everyone to appreciate India’s heritage and get a deeper understanding of our past.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 10 and above.
Disclaimer - We received this book from the publisher, BluOne Ink, for review. Thank you to Anuradha, from FIHCR, for facilitating sending across the book!