Now in its eighth edition, this text features updated scholarship and bibliographic material throughout and integrates new research on such incisive topics as the Indian Diaspora, the economy, and the nuclear issue. The author condenses more than 4,000 years of India's history into one narrative. He discusses modern India's rapidly growing population, industry, and economy, and also considers the prospects for India's future. From a carefully balanced perspective, he presents a fair and truthful record of India's history; he offers both a triumphant portrayal of the brightest achievements of Indian civilization as well as a sobering examination of its persistent social inequities and economic and political corruption. This 8th edition is enhanced with new images and a full-color map of India and the surrounding area.