Home to a fifth of the world's population and the largest democracy in the world, India holds a prominent place in current events yet remains misunderstood in many ways by students, professionals and others who seek a single, authoritative source for information on this important region. The Encyclopedia of India meets this need, encompassing the history, cultures, geography and religions of India from ancient times to the present day. Across the four volumes of the Encyclopedia, readers are invited to explore India in a comprehensive reference work of more than 600 alphabetically arranged, illustrated articles. As India's role in global politics and economics continues to grow, readers will find the historical and cultural information contained within this work an indispensable tool to gaining a greater appreciation of India and its place in our modern world.

Ranging from the fall of Singapore in 1942 to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, this book provides a vivid behind-the-scenes look at Britain’s decision to divest itself from the crown jewel of its empire. Th e author, a leading authority on Indian history, paints memorable portraits of all the key participants including Gandhi, Churchill, Attlee, Nehru, and Jinnah, with a special focus on the British viceroy, Lord Louis Mountbatten.