What are good, easy-to-obtain, beginner-friendly sources for the following topics?

by megami-hime
  • Pre-Islamic India (Maurya, Gupta and Kannauj Triangle periods to be more specific)
  • The Medieval Holy Roman Empire
  • Evolution of Islam
  • Evolution of Indian religions
  • Safavid Iran
  • Pre-Islamic Maritime Southeast-Asia

Thanks in advance! EDIT: Any sort of source is fine; books, podcasts, documentaries are all welcome!

SilverRoyce

Pre-Islamic India

I can recommend Thapar's A History of India: Volume 1 (up to 1300) while also pointing to the book's inclusion in the sub's book list to back up the suggestion.