Best India History Books of 2025

To Love and Be Loved is a captivating book that offers an intimate and personal portrait of Mother Teresa's last years. Written by Jim Towey, a close friend and trusted advisor of Mother Teresa, the book provides an extraordinary firsthand account of the life and work of one of the most admired women of the 20th century. It details her dealings with worldly matters, her leadership skills, her perils of celebrity, and her extraordinary devotion to God and the poorest of His children. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about Mother Teresa and her legacy.

The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome by Susan Wise Bauer is an engaging narrative history that connects the cultures of the ancient world. Bauer uses literature, epic traditions, private letters, and accounts to connect kings and leaders with the lives of those they ruled. The book covers the ancient worlds of Sumer, Egypt, India, China, Greece, Mesopotamia, and Rome, and provides dozens of maps and timelines to give readers a sense of the passage of years and cultural interconnection. Although the chapters on Asia and India are the least developed, the book provides an engrossing tapestry of human behavior from which we may draw conclusions about the direction of world events and the causes behind them. Overall, this is an excellent book for anyone interested in ancient history.

The book "America is the True Old World: Mu Discovered (Volume I of IV)" challenges traditional history by revealing that America is the oldest landmass and the birthplace of civilization. The author presents compelling evidence, including the discovery of the Lost Continent of Mu and Atlantis, to support this theory. The book is well-researched and engaging, with 40 color illustrations that add to the reading experience. The multiple volumes ensure that readers can delve deeper into this fascinating topic. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient history and the origins of civilization.

Swift Sword: The True Story of the Marines of MIKE 3/5 in Vietnam, 4 September 1967 is a gripping account of a true Vietnam War saga based on 50 interviews with veterans who were there and relatives of those who didn’t come home. It follows Lance Corporal Jack Swan and his fellow US Marines from Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, Fifth Marines as they attempt to rescue an isolated company of fellow leathernecks besieged by the Communist North Vietnamese Army. The book is a testament to the epic courage and brotherhood in the face of insurmountable odds that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Courting India: Renaissance London, Mughal India, and the Origins of Empire by Nandini Das is a groundbreaking account of the British arrival in India in the early 17th century. Das offers a fresh perspective on Britain's early imperial ambitions, exploring the palace intrigue, scandal, lotteries, and wagers that unfolded as global trade began to stretch from Russia to Virginia, from West Africa to the Spice Islands of Indonesia. This major debut is a fascinating history of Thomas Roe's time in the Mughal Empire, offering a rich and radical challenge to our understanding of Britain and its early empire. Overall, this engaging account is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of colonialism.

The Anarchy by William Dalrymple is a fascinating account of how the East India Company took over large parts of Asia and ruled almost all of India south of Delhi for 47 years. Using previously untapped sources, Dalrymple provides a devastating portrait of the brutality that results when a company becomes a colonial power. The book is a gripping tale of bloodshed and deceit, unimaginable opulence, and intolerable starvation. It is shot through with an unappeasable moral passion that makes it stand out. Overall, The Anarchy is a superbly written book that is worth reading by everyone, and it provokes new questions about where corporations fit into the world, both then and now.

Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo is a gripping and poignant work of narrative non-fiction that sheds light on the lives of the impoverished residents of Annawadi, a slum situated in the shadow of luxury hotels near the Mumbai airport. Boo's writing is both masterful and captivating, bringing to life the hopes, dreams, and struggles of the people she writes about. The book is a powerful indictment of the systemic poverty and inequality that exists in modern-day India, and a testament to the resilience and humanity of those who find themselves living in the most desperate circumstances. This is a book that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.

India Is Broken: A People Betrayed, Independence to Today is a thought-provoking book that explores India's journey from its founding in 1947 to its current economic and democratic breakdowns. The author challenges the prevailing narratives and contends that India's post-independence leaders failed to confront the country's true economic problems, relying instead on easy solutions. The book provides a persuasive account of India's economic catch-22 and proposes a path forward that offers hope. Combining statistical data with creative media, this book is a meditation on the interplay between democracy and economic progress, with lessons extending far beyond India.

The Nutmeg Trail: Recipes and Stories Along the Ancient Spice Routes is an award-winning cookbook that explores the history and impact of spices on the world's cuisine. With 80 spice-infused recipes and stunning images, author Eleanor Ford takes readers on a culinary journey along the ancient spice trail, from Asia to the Middle East. The book provides fascinating insights into the flavor profiles and spread of spices, including how nutmeg unites various spice blends. The recipes, ranging from entrees to appetizers and sides, offer readers the opportunity to stock up and have a home kitchen rich in international flavor and fragrance. Overall, The Nutmeg Trail is a unique and informative cookbook that will delight foodies and history buffs alike.

The Autobiography of Mohandas K. Gandhi is a powerful and thought-provoking account of his life, detailing his spiritual journey and political activism. Gandhi's dedication to truth and non-violence is inspiring, and his personal struggles and triumphs are laid bare in this honest and humble memoir. The book provides a unique insight into the mind of one of history's greatest leaders and is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian history and the principles of non-violent resistance.