This is the first volume in a series of books that covers Indian history from the earliest times to August 1947, when India achieved independence from foreign rule. This volume covers the prehistoric antecedents before the Indus Valley Civilisation and gives a vivid account of the developments that took place in the Indian sub-continent till the demise of the glorious Maurya dynasty. In doing so, the book describes the evolution of languages and religion, examines cultural and other factors that have influenced the evolution of Indian civilisation and also vibrantly portrays the historical events that took place during this period of over 5000 years. The author also provides his own succinct comments on the events that took place in antiquity as have been reported in, and corroborated by, various sources. This book is a worthy addition to the analysis of Indian history.

Dr Sanu Kainikara is a practising military strategist, currently residing in Canberra, Australia. He is an ex-fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force who retired voluntarily in 1992. He holds a Master of Science in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras, and a PhD in International Politics from the University of Adelaide, Australia. Currently he is a Visiting Fellow at the University of New South Wales. Dr Kainikara has been widely published and is the author of numerous articles and papers on national security, military strategy and air power. He has also presented at various international conferences across the world. Sanu has an abiding passion for Indian history which he continues to nurture through research and providing lectures to students. This is the first volume of a series which will eventually cover the full spread of Indian history up to the nation's independence from the British Raj.