India's Struggle for Independence

All the 5 authors of this book are from JNU, and each of them have been in different committees of GOI, in the past/present. So, if you are a congress supoorter and a "secular", you'll love this book.

I am rating this book, not for how it is written(Its style is good), but im rating it as a History student, but not as casual reader or seeking any propaganda.

If you are looking for a History book, sorry, this is not for you. They have got years and facts correct, but their opinions are all in favour of Congress. This is a book for "feel good factor" for Muslims/Congress. This is not about reality, it is all about propagandising Nehruvian view of India and so called "SICKularism"

read it cover to cover.
In the midway I realized that it is truly a pro-congress or pro-nationalist book. But, then also I proceeded. There are times, when it tries to justify the stand of Congress on critical matters. A reader must read it with this 'bias' in mind of authors because as already been said by others that most of the authors are from JNU and in some way or other are associated with different government institutions.
However, it is a good read in terms of it's style of presenting history. In fact, one can easily find that history is not merely about memorizing the dates, it is more about seeing the undercurrent of thoughts which were determinant in making that date historical.
So in all, I would suggest it is for a mature reader not an amateur one.

an extract from the book goes "the end of 1907 brought another political trend to the fore. the impatient young men of bengal took to the path of individual heroism and revolutionary terrorism( a term we use without any pejorative meaning and for want for another term).

I for one am at a loss as to how a renowned group of 5 historians are not able to find a proper term for our freedom fighters.
well let me suggest some - "radical extremists", "ultra extremists" and i am sure that if these wont fit one can easily come up with a little more reverent term than "revolutionary terrorism"
interestingly in the chapter on freedom of press the authors mention how people from press were forced to write their content in such a way as to not incur the wrath of the administration.
it seems to me that this particular term has been used just as the Britishers would use it albeit a bit mildly( by using revolutionary terrorism instead of flatly terrorism) and with an apology (that stands exposed).
Penguin is a UK company. this statement seems to me a devise to flatter the publishers (present generation who most probably revere their colonial past)

A fantastic book which takes you to the journey of the past. The minute detail of the past has been taken into consideration. highly recommended for UPSC exams. you wont feel as though you are reading for exam sake as it makes you so curious to know more and more. this book makes you so knowledgeable of the past you'll realise when You study it thoroughly and look into the previous question papers of IAS and say "I can answer this". A great book and A great experience!!!

The book is voluminous and informative. It almost covers everything related to Indian National Movement. The narration is almost is on the lines of Rankean history to some degree. author though sounds biased towards Indian National Congress in certain aspects but then that possibly isn't a flaw.
at times the author paraphrases the same point multiple times in continuous paragraphs, but then no complaints since it helps you reread and correctly understand the point author is trying to convey to the reader.
All in all, a good read but needs patience...