India And South Asia: A Short History

Offers insight into the key economic, social, and political developments that have shaped both the individual countries of South Asia and the region as a whole.Combining factual information with a critical approach which probes the nature of culture and identity, this concise yet authoritative account paints a graphic picture of an area stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Himalayan mountains. This new edition surveys nearly 5000 years, from the early settlers of prehistory to the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi and the Tamil Tiger conflicts. Particular emphasis is placed on the last 200 years, while the key theme of shifting regional identities underpins its insights in to the social, economic and spiritual past of the region.David Ludden is Professor of Political Economy and Globalization and Chair of the Department of History at New York University. His research concerns histories of development and globalization and since 2007 he has launched new programs to foster interdisciplinary research on South Asia and globalization at NYU.