Independent India: The First Fifty Years

Editor: Hiranmay Karlekar

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Edition & Year: 1998 Edition

Binding: Hardcover

Pages: 534

Size: 7 in × 9 in

Independent India: The First Fifty Years, edited by Hiranmay Karlekar, is a substantial and insightful work that chronicles the evolution of India as a modern nation from 1947 to 1997. Published in 1998 by Oxford University Press, this 534-page hardcover (7 × 9 inches) provides a detailed and multi-dimensional analysis of the first half-century of independent India.

This volume brings together contributions that examine key aspects of India’s development, including politics, governance, economic policy, social transformation, and cultural change. It explores how the country navigated the challenges of independence, including nation-building, democratic consolidation, economic planning, and social diversity.

A major strength of this book is its comprehensive and analytical approach. Rather than presenting a simple chronological history, it offers a deeper examination of the structures, policies, and decisions that shaped India’s trajectory. It reflects on both achievements and challenges, providing a balanced and nuanced perspective.

The book covers significant milestones such as the establishment of democratic institutions, shifts in economic strategy, the role of leadership, and the evolving identity of the nation in a global context. It also addresses issues such as regional diversity, social change, and the complexities of governance in a vast and diverse country.

Edited by Hiranmay Karlekar, the work benefits from editorial coherence and intellectual depth, ensuring that the various perspectives come together to form a cohesive and informative narrative. The writing is both scholarly and accessible, making it suitable for students, researchers, and general readers alike.

The larger hardcover format (7 × 9 inches) enhances readability and presentation, while the substantial page count reflects the depth of its content. Its Oxford University Press imprint adds academic credibility and long-term value.

Independent India: The First Fifty Years is an essential work for understanding the foundations of modern India, offering a rich, detailed, and thought-provoking exploration of the nation’s development over five decades.

• Editor: Hiranmay Karlekar
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1998 Edition
• Format: Hardcover, 534 pages
• Size: 7 × 9 inches – large-format academic volume
• Content: Analysis of India (1947–1997)
• Topics Covered: Politics, economy, society, governance
• Themes: Nation-building, democracy, development
• Style: Analytical, scholarly, and comprehensive
• Audience: Students, historians, researchers, general readers
• Collector Appeal: Important Indian historical reference

🔹 Collector’s Note

This 1998 hardcover edition of Independent India: The First Fifty Years is a significant and authoritative work on modern Indian history. Its depth, academic credibility, and relevance to India’s post-independence journey make it a valuable addition for collectors of Indian Rare Books, political history, and cultural studies.