I have long lamented the utter lack of Indian history lessons in our international schools. But with these books, my boys have managed to understand and be interested in Indian history in ways that have surpassed my wildest imagination! Forget the way we used to learn Indian history — rote learning dates and squinting at illegible, murky pictures in textbooks. This is the new way of learning and falling in love with Indian history, and we are all here for it!
These are the books you need so your kids can learn Indian history without boring textbooks.
Songs of Freedom Series
10 books, various authors. Buy here
Songs of Freedom series tells stories through the eyes of children living during important events in Indian history, giving readers an intimate 360-degree look at life then. Every book is set in a new town, allowing children to traverse across the country through one book series. Children 8+ will love this series and read each book more than once! Definitely, a worthwhile buy for your bookshelf.
Travelling Treasures 1&2
Written by Mala Kumar. Buy Book 1 and Book 2
Travelling Treasures is an alphabetised look at how things made their way into India and what we gave to the world! Amazingly fun books! For kids 8+
India in Triangles
Written by Shruthi Rao and Meera Iyer. Buy here
Learn all about the exciting Great Trigonometrical Survey that mapped India’s length and breadth! For kids 10+
565: The Dramatic Story of Unifying India
Written by Mallika Ravikumar. Buy here
We all know about freedom in 1947, but do we know about how 565 tiny kingdoms were convinced to be a part of India? This is a thoroughly researched, amazing work that is a must-read! For kids 12+
History Unpacked
Written by Saisudha Acharya. Buy Book 1: The Why, When, and What of Ancient India and Book 2: The Why, When, and What of Medieval India
Can history be funny? Oh yes! Romp through ancient and middle ages of Indian history with hilarious comics and cheeky jokes! Who knew learning history was so much fun! For kids 10+
A History of South India for Children
Written by Pradeep Chakravarthy. Buy here
If you have been intrigued by South Indian history and its many kingdoms, this is the book for you. Starting from the Pandyas to the Vijayanagara empire this is a beautiful look at a region that has contributed so much to Indian history. For kids 10+
After Midnight: A History of Independent India
Written by Meghaa Gupta. Buy here
Learn about what happened after India became independent. How did we manage to fix a broken country and grow into the formidable force that we are today? For kids 10+
A Children’s History of India in 100 Objects
Written by Devika Cariapa. Buy here
This book looks deep into Indian history from prehistoric times all the way to contemporary India and chooses 100 objects that define our history and shape the country we know today. Brilliant and interesting read! For kids 10+