Before reading: Yes, I know that I asked the same question in another Reddit forum. But since I didn't get any answer there, I thought this forum could provide me with answers. Moderators, please don't mind it.

I am currently looking to read in detail about Indian history. In that regard, I have been read that RC Majumdar's An Advanced History of India is a good book. So on various Reddit posts, I saw how RC Majumdar is a very reliable historian. Hence I was motivated to check his book online.

That's what inspired me to check Majumdar's book from Amazon. But before ordering it, I wanted to take one final opinion from here.

So, my questions are 4:

1. How good is RC Majumdar's An Advanced History of India?

I mean in terms of its biases, opiniated stuff and all, is it fine? Because I recently heard that in an RTI, NCERT had no records on certain claims made in its history textbooks. And I was a history student till 12th standard CBSE. So this entire saga made me rethink and I realised that I knew next to nothing about Cholas, Cheras, Marathas, Ahoms or the tribes of India.

So while I am aware that there's no thing as an unbiased person, but I do want something as objective and comprehensive as possible.

2. How comprehensive is An Advanced History of India?

Does it cover all the major dynasties and kings in India? Because I did feel that NCERTs didn't cover all the aspects of Indian history comprehensively. There was too much on the Mughals, Britishers and the Medieval period. I couldn't find much on Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas.

And of course, I am a UPSC aspirant :D (in 2024). So I wanna have a solid base.

3. Can a beginner but interested person understand An Advanced History of India?

I am not a total novice. I had history as one of my subjects till 12th and even scored good enough marks in history. So I am not totally new to history. I do have the interest (just not enough to take history as a graduation subject :D )

4. How should I approach a scholarly book like An Advanced History of India?

I mean how should I read it? Should I make notes or something? How can I recall the important details? Can I randomly read chapters that I find interesting? Should I try to read the entire book in one go?

PS: Please don't take my queries in the wrong manner. I don't hate the Mughals or the Britishers. I don't hate or favour anyone. I just want a book that fairly covers all aspects of Indian history without going into too much detail about one specific period.