A HISTORY OF INDIA THROUGH 75 OBJECTS [Hardcover] Guha, Sudeshna Hardcover – 24 December 2022

Object-based history books have caught on since The History of the World in 100 Objects came through from the BBC and the British Museum. Other tomes explain Indian history through artifacts- most stay on shelves as coffee table books with beautiful photographs but not much more. This book is a remarkable exception to the genre, so much so that it should be mandated as a textbook of Indian history. The choice of the 75 objects is an excellent representative and the text accompanying the simple photographs is mostly lucid (though I confess it did seem too philosophical at times). We as Indians are lucky to have a rich, multi-layered history and while many wonderful books convey the stories, this book serves the purpose of making them tangible. I believe anyone and everyone would be surprised and come out far richer going through the choices. There is a Jain Ayagapata, the Gentil Album, the Yoginis of North India and so much more. This text could have easily been expanded further - I missed Kerala, the story of Tea (which was such a key component of World Trade), and temple architecture. Not complaining though as this tome is an act of love and it shows. Just hoping the author comes up with a sequel of 75 more objects. Take a bow Sudeshna Guha

Interesting and with wide coverage of the many objects. Our history in a platter.