The Wonder That Was India Paperback – July 8, 2014

This is, without reservation, the greatest, most impartial, scholarly, informative and readable account of ancient and classical India that I have ever had the extreme good fortune of reading. Dr. Basham's scholarship will put a very great majority of people born in India to shame. But more than that, the love, affection, respect and genuine caring he feels for his subject brings tears to one's eyes. This is not a halcyonic, idyllic account; but even the flaws of the culture he writes about are discussed imaprtially, they do not constitute the fulcrum about which his impressions of India rotate. This is a far better work on Indian history than say Ms. Romila Thapar's work on the history of the Subcontinent until the 12th centure (about which I have written seperately, Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300). As far as being a "simple mlechha" is concerned, Dr. Basham is among the greatest Indians I will ever have the good fortune of encountering, if not in person than atleast in thought. Recommended without any, any reservations.

A. L. Basham's, The Wonder that was India, is a classic in the field of Indology. Despite its age it is still relevant and rarely "wrong" - even with all the advances made since its publication. It covers a massive amount of information and is really a wonderful resource for those interested in Indic history, society and religion - especially if one is just beginning their studies. The writing is always clear and insightful. Highly recommended!

If your idea of a good time is reading over 500 pages of Wikipedia articles in 10 and 11 point font, then this is the book for you! It is a monumental feat of scholarship and produced at a time when knowledge was much more difficult to obtain and hence properly valued. Basham is clearly unparalleled in his knowledge of India and he does an admirable job of organizing this impressive tome and demonstrating his scholarly and literary prowess. That said, reading it cover to cover is a slog and I think that it is best used as a reference book to consult on specific subjects.As I was stubbornly reading this tome, I couldn't help but remember the old chestnut about the dictionary - it has a lot of characters but not much of a plot. The depth and breadth of this work cannot but impress, but it lacks an overarching story that is only very occasionally saved from pedantry by Basham's witty and snobbish interjections. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, the book holds up remarkably well for a work that was written some 70 years ago.

I read this book for the first time 40+ years ago and I have a worn copy of the first edition which belonged to my father.Despite the topic being serious, it is one of the most readable books on the subject.I have recommended it to many, over the yearsTapan Bhattacharya

This book is a tome. That said, it's organized by discipline (history, religion, art, etc.) then chronology, so one can open to any page and begin reading. My Sanskrit book recommended this one as a first read about India, and I don't regret it. One unexpected delight is that Sanskrit words are marked with diacriticals which are defined in the Introduction. Those persons wishing to know about retroflexes, nasals and aspirations might well pick up a lot of vocabulary. Meanwhile, the depth and breadth of information make obvious that the author has dedicated a lifetime to every aspect of the culture. I'd buy it again.

One of the best books on the early history of India. It is well-documented and is a trove of detailed information on every aspect of early India's Politics, Society, Everyday Life, Religion,The Arts and the Languages.

A profound and complete book on ancient India. Author makes an honest and balanced attempt and it should be thoroughly celebrated.

I ordered this book as as gift for a cousin who wanted to know more about India and its culture. As a Sanskritist who also has had the privilege of meeting Professor Basham, it was very easy to pick The Wonder That was India as a good beginning to get know something about the many facets of ancient India.