10 Must-Read Indian History Books for Students

History helps us know what we did right, what we did wrong, how we faced challenges and whether we were successful or failed in overcoming them. For example, brave Indian kings and queens such as Maharana Pratap, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Jhansi Ki Rani and many more fought ferociously against powerful Mughal and British forces. They even won some wars but couldn’t overpower them because their solo and separate efforts were not adequate to succeed. However, when the Indians united and fought, they successfully demolished the British rule in India.

Moreover, our incredible mathematicians such as Aryabhata, freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and brave soldiers such as Captain Vikram Batra have left a legacy that children must know. As a parent, you must help your children understand the importance of past events, and history books can provide them with a good start. So, here we have curated a list of books that will help them learn about history.

1. Her Name was Freedom

Her Name was Freedom, written by Anu Kumar, explores the legendary role that women freedom fighters played in Indian independence. These fearless women came from different backgrounds and fields; some were homemakers, some were politicians, some were poets, some were doctors, and some were educators and lawyers. This book has brought together 35 inspiring stories of women who fought for India's freedom, from Sarojini Naidu to Aruna Asaf Ali and many more.

2. The Hero of Tiger Hill- Autobiography of Param Vir Capt Yogendra Singh Yadav

We all grow up watching war movies, whether Border, Lakshya, Tango Charlie, or LOC, but our children do not. They might not have a clue about the wars that happened between India and Pakistan. One such conflict, the Kargil War, was fought at the highest altitudes of the Himalayas between India and Pakistan. The Hero of Tiger Hill book will introduce children to the Kargil war and help them learn about the empowering story of Param Vir Chakra, winner captain Yogendra Singh Yadav. As this book is an autobiography, it will give students accurate information about the war.

3. The People of the Indus

As Indus Valley civilization is part of the school curriculum, most schools in Baddi educate studentsabout it. However, if your child is a history buff, The People of the Indus can give him/her a vivid tour of Indus Valley civilization, which will help them understand everything about this magnificent civilization, from their craft and architecture to their geography and political structure. This book is written by Nikhil Gulati and is appropriate for younger children between 10-13 years of age.

4. The Story of India for Children

This book, written by Gratian Vas, covers the entire history of India from prehistoric times to the present day. It highlights everything from the spiritual pursuits of the Gurus, such as Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Mahatma Budha, and Mahavir Jain, to the political pursuits of Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya and more. So, don’t hesitate to give this book to your children- they will love it.

5. The Last Mughal- The Younger Children Edition

You might have read the original version of The Last Mughal, which is meant for adults and has used some complex language. However, this is not the case with the younger children's edition of The Last Mughal, where every concept is simplified for children. This book will help them know how the Mughal empire fell, the rise of British dominance in India and the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar II. The author of the book, William Dalrymple, used groundbreaking material such as Persian and Urdu-translated manuscripts to write this incredible book.

Also read about the books all kids should read before they’re 14

6. Bhimrao Ambedkar: The Boy Who Asked Why

This is one of the best books to introduce children to the father of the Indian constitution- Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. Written by Sowmya Rajendran, this book sheds light on the extraordinary life of Babasaheb Ambedkar and his fight against social inequality. This fascinating story will help your children learn about compassion, empathy, and resilience and encourage them to ask why, just like B.R. Ambedkar.

7. Cave Art- The First Paintings

Cave Art is a mind-blowing book, which through its rich illustrations, will reveal to younger children how humans expressed their lives and beliefs through art. This thought-provoking book will help them discover the natural materials used for colouring before the invention of modern colour bottles and tubes. As they continue reading, this book will slowly unfold how the world’s first artists tried their hands at cave painting with beautiful photographs of ancient paintings from Bhimbetka caves of Madhya Pradesh and many more.

8. The Raj at War: A People’s History of India’s Second World War

Do you know about the contribution of the colonised countries in the Second World War? Over 2.5 million Indians fought in World War II- a conflict that they had not begun, yet they sacrificed their life for it. This is a great book for fifteen to sixteen-year-old children who like dwelling on the war history. The writer, Yasmin Khan, revived the voices of many brave Indian souls who fought the war and laid their lives abroad. She also highlights the story of the first Indian who got the Victoria Cross in the war and three soldiers who were imprisoned and called traitors but received a grand welcome when they returned home.

9. Age of Nandas and Maurayas

Almost every international public school teaches students about the Nanda and Maurya empires, as it is in the curriculum. However, curriculum books are limited in scope and may not satisfy students' curiosity about this majestic period. Age of Nandas and Mauryas, written by K.A.N. Sastri, will provide students with a broader understanding of this era by covering things such as Alexander's conquest, the overthrow of Nandas, the rule of Ashoka and more.

10. The Story of Dandi March

Written by Sandhya Rao, this book tells how the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi, fought with the Britishers without any violence by just picking a lump of salt. The story of Dandi March tells us how this act started a powerful freedom movement and inspired countless Indian men and women to stand against injustice. This brilliant book will help young children understand the strength of non-violence.

Conclusion

History connects us and helps us understand ourselves, but challenges us to learn from our past mistakes and make a better future. It also gives us hope- for instance, we were the people who fought with the Mughals and Britishers for thousands of years and ultimately got independent. So, whenever you think I am nothing, open the above books and acknowledge the true strength that lies in your heart.