Political History of India – J. Filliozat

Title: Political History of India

Author: J. Filliozat

Publisher: Susil Gupta Limited

Edition & Year: First English Edition, 1957
(French original published in 1947)

Pages & Size: 195 pages · Hardcover · 6.5 in × 9 in

Step into the intricate past of South Asia with J. Filliozat’s Political History of India, published by Susil Gupta Limited in 1957. This first English edition, derived from the 1947 French original, represents one of the most insightful syntheses of India’s political development produced in the mid-20th century.

Within its 195 pages, Filliozat traces a compelling arc from the earliest organized settlements to the structures that shaped India’s medieval and early-modern governance. The narrative combines archaeological evidence, textual references, and comparative insights, making this work both an academic cornerstone and an inviting read for general enthusiasts.

Highlights of the text include:

• Prehistoric and Vedic Foundations: Examination of proto-urban communities, clan-based leadership, and the formative ideas that influenced later polity.

• Rise of Empires: Analysis of the Maurya and Gupta administrative achievements, exploring how taxation, law, and diplomacy consolidated large territories.

• Regional and Maritime States: A study of peninsular kingdoms, trade corridors, and their contributions to India’s cosmopolitan networks.

• Cultural and Religious Currents: Insight into how Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Islamic thought shaped governance, ethics, and civic organization.

• Transition to Colonial Encounters: Early European influence, mercantile ventures, and the gradual reshaping of authority leading to modern challenges.

The author’s clear, measured prose ensures that complex histories remain accessible, while meticulous references make it a reliable foundation for research. Its hardcover binding (6.5 × 9 in) makes it an enduring volume for libraries, scholars, and collectors.

As a bridge between continental scholarship and English-speaking audiences, this book also reflects the intellectual vibrancy of post-war Indology, capturing debates on statecraft, social structures, and historical methodology. Its relevance endures for students of South Asian history, comparative politics, and the legacy of empire.

• First English edition (1957) of J. Filliozat’s influential work

• Based on the original French edition published in 1947

• 195 pages of well-researched historical analysis

• Comprehensive treatment of dynasties, institutions, and cultural-political exchange

• Durable hardcover, ideal for researchers, students, and bibliophiles