India's Struggle for Independence: 1857-1947 Review 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. --Gyan Vikas Feb 15, 2012an 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) --Asim DagarA 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!!! --kavya adiga Mar 15, 2012 				    	 					 About the Author Bipan Chandra is a popular Indian historian/writer who specializes in the political and economic history of modern India. He has been involved with the Marxist school. Bipan Chandra is currently Chairman, National Book Trust, and Professor Emeritus, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He has been the President of the Indian History Congress, which endowed him with the life-time achievement award in 2008. He was appointed National Research Professor in 2006. Bipan Chandra was born in 1928 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Chandra is the author of several books on nationalism, colonialism, and communalism in modern India.