Pearson India launches the second edition of ‘A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India’ by Prof. Upinder Singh
New Delhi: Pearson India recently launched the second edition of the book; ‘A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India’ authored by Prof. Upinder Singh, one of the most renowned Indian historians and professors. The official launch event was held in Delhi, attended by Prof. Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Historian & Chancellor of Ashoka University, Vinay Kumar Swamy, Country Head-Pearson India, amongst many other eminent dignitaries, authors, academicians, and educators.
On the occasion, the author, Prof. Upinder Singh, said, “Over the years, my perspectives and interests have expanded. I have become interested in the history of ideas, the interactions between the state and the forest people, the connections between art and history, and the subcontinent’s connections with other parts of the world. I have incorporated these interests into the second edition, so it is significantly different from the first. Also, of course, there has been a great deal of new work produced by other scholars on many aspects of ancient India, which I have gained from and cited. I wanted to especially draw attention to the work of the younger generation of historians on whom we depend on to expand our understanding of ancient India in the future.”
Commenting on the launch, Vinay Kumar Swamy, Country Head, Pearson India, said, “As we unveil the second edition of this widely acclaimed book, we remain committed to enabling lifelong learning journeys for everyone. We believe that the new edition will provide a relevant understanding of various historical concepts and theories in a much better and more effective way.”
(Photo Caption: L-R: Prof. Upinder Singh, Author and Vinay Kumar Swamy, Country Head, Pearson India)
This new edition of the book highlights discoveries and historiographical trends by referring to the latest scientific techniques used in archaeology. The book also includes crucial discussions of ecology, forest tribes, and pastoralists, while emphasizing the experiences of subordinated classes, castes, and women. This edition also expands coverage of South Asia beyond India, outlining the multiple networks that connected India to the world.
The first edition of the book was published in 2008, to integrate archaeology and history, to include subordinated groups in social history, to give due importance to religion and philosophy, and to highlight the intellectual and aesthetic domains. Both editions of the book, aspire to create a window for questioning so that readers can approach debates with an open mind, and develop an ability to critically evaluate evidence and arguments.