There is no doubt that India celebrates its Independence Day like there is no morning after this night. India’s Independence Day is one of the most celebrated festivals in the world. Indians make sweets on this day just like other festivals. Our Independence Day is not limited to flags, parades, and patriotic songs but is also associated with courage and struggle that brought us freedom. There are so many stories of freedom fighters who fought and sacrificed with resilience and unwavering spirit.
While there are many documentaries and movies based on these sagas of valour, if we want to know more specifically and in-depth, there are many good books on India’s Independence by renowned authors to read. From patriotism to heart-touching, inspiring journeys, poignant stories—all can be found in these pages. Moreover, our nation is shaped by these stories of bravery, which connect us with the same emotions and sacrifices.
,
To enjoy Independence Day properly and understand its true meaning, we need to dive into a must-read book on India’s history. For those who read books and do not depend on the internet for every information, this blog is like a treasure trove. Celebrations are more meaningful when we know the ins and outs of what has happened.
1.India that is Bharat: Coloniality, Civilisation, Constitution
by J Sai Deepak
India, That Is Bharat is the initial volume of a trilogy that describes how European “imperialism,” particularly its racial and religious origins, significantly shaped Bharat, the heir to Indian civilisation. The book emphasizes the development of initial concepts of the Indian Constitution and establishes the groundwork for the later parts.
It spans the time from Christopher Columbus’s journey in 1492 to the Government of India Act of 1919. Throughout this period, Bharat was transformed by a constitution designed by the British. Concurrently, global events like the establishment of the League of Nations by Western nations directly influenced Bharat’s path.
Additionally, the book explores how ideas such as “endurance,” “secularism,” and “enlightenment,” stem from Christian political theology.
These concepts were secularized and made universal to undermine Indic philosophy and identity.
Furthermore, the author presents the concept of Middle Eastern coloniality, which prevailed even prior to European colonialism. Together, they aimed to subvert Bharat’s Indic perspective.Lastly, the primary contention of the author is that for Bharat to safeguard and restore its authentic identity, “decolonisation” is crucial—be it in nature, religion, culture, history, education, language, or, above all, the rule of law.
2.Why I am an Atheist and Other Works
by Bhagat Singh
Who doesn’t know the name of Bhagat Singh? Not just in India, but even abroad. He is a gem that is truly priceless. His name has become synonymous with revolution. This collection is one of the most inspirational books on Indian leaders. He completely changed the way people thought about revolution, and his writings continue to shape discussions about the freedom struggle even today.
He decided to become an atheist. This decision came out of a simple conversation, which became a reason for introspection for him. He was hanged at a very young age, but even at that age his thinking and observation were very deep. He raised questions that are very intelligent and relevant even today.
This book is a collection of his essays and letters. He had written many things on the walls of the prison as well. These writings reflect his thinking, how courageous he was, and all this is clearly reflected in his lifestyle and behavior.
3. India After Gandhi: A History
by Ramachandra Guha
We all know the struggle for independence, but the story of developing and modern India from 1947 till today is found in the book India After Gandhi. It’s among the best books on India after Independence. The fight for rights, sacrifices, and struggles on different issues have been shown very well in this book, along with the contributions of unsung heroes.
This is a classic book which was published in 2007. It mentions in detail the events from 1947 to Modi ji’s re-election as Prime Minister. Apart from this, the problem of Kashmir, poverty and prosperity after Modi Raj, big movements and strict measures taken by the state – everything has been told in detail in this book.
Now the third and latest edition of this book has been published. It has been 75 years since Gandhi ji’s assassination, and the publication of this book at such a time makes it a must-read. Anyone who wants to know the real democratic journey of India should not miss this book at all.
4. Balidan : Stories of Indian’s Greatest Para Special Forces Operatives
by Swapnil Pandey
If we talk about courage, the first name that comes to mind is the Indian Armed Forces. These include the Indian Para Special Forces, who have shown immense bravery on the battlefield. Their sacrifice cannot be underestimated in any way. They even put their lives at stake to end the darkest phase of terrorism.
The legacy of these warriors is very well written in this book. Not much is heard or spoken about their secret missions, as they are kept completely confidential. Their missions have no name, only code names—like Dagger, Ghost, Viper or Desert Scorpio. This is why it becomes a must read to know those unheard stories.
Tales of courage and bravery, which hardly anyone has heard, are presented very beautifully in this book. Moreover, Swapnil Pandey has narrated them very intelligently. Tales of bravery of less talked about Special Forces officers have been shared here- like Captain Tushar Mahajan, Major Mahendra Singh, Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat, Subedar etc.
Such tales of valour and bravery are indeed a must read.
5. India for Indians
by Chitta Ranjan Das
Not everyone can write on topics like the Indian freedom movement and self-governance. But Chittaranjan Das has written about these topics very well in this book. He has talked about reforms in Indian politics and social structure. Also, he has explained the impact of British colonialism on India very well. That is why it can be said that this book is deeply based on topics like political reform and nationalism.
Das has stressed that self-governance is very important for the development of India. Also, to make India a united nation, colonial rule will have to be broken, which is possible only through self-governance. This book tells how Indian leaders took important steps for the country and struggled to gain sovereignty, especially to root out social injustice. This book strongly reflects the anti-colonial struggle and the importance of self-governance. For anyone researching patriotic books to read, this is a must.
A critical analysis of the political and social structure of twentieth century India has also been done in it. Along with this, the importance of self-determination and national pride in the lives of us Indians has also been emphasized.
Das has made it clear in this book how important political and social reforms were for India, which makes it a powerful statement. This book reflects the events that happened when our country needed a big change.
6. Freedom at Midnight
by Larry Collins, Dominique Lapierre
It is a sensational story and has become an international bestseller.
Who would have ever thought that we would have to pay the price of freedom in such a way-in the form of riots and partition.
The story begins with Lord Mountbatten of Burma, who was appointed the last Viceroy of British India. The story progresses and reaches its climax with the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
The book has a cinematic feel that keeps the readers hooked to the story. The incidents of hunger, heroism and massacres keep the readers hooked throughout.
It is considered one of the most fascinating and sensational accounts of that time. Apart from being historical, this book feels like watching a thriller film in a cinema hall-but every fact is true. A classic that feels like a thriller while presenting true facts. For those who want to dive into Partition of India books, this international bestseller is a timeless pick.
Every edition of the book includes many original photographs, including those of Gandhiji. There is no doubt that this book is a must read for those who want to understand India’s past and want to gain factual information.
7. India in the Age of Ideas: Select Writings: 2006–2018
By Sanjeev Sanyal
If we talk about Sanjeev Sanyal, his writings reflect his deep and efficient thinking. His view of India and its global role is completely different from others, which he has also presented very well in his writings.
He believes in feedback. He believes that every person should constantly update himself with time and adapt to the circumstances. There should be continuous change in the thoughts and actions of man – and this change should be natural, not artificial.
Being an economist and environmentalist, he believed that this world is uncertain and unpredictable. He emphasized that every problem cannot be solved by just making a forecasting model. Rather we should learn to understand the current situation and deal with it correctly.
He has been influenced by various theories of the world, such as Chaos Theory, Network Theory, etc. He was also influenced by many foreign thinkers like Nassim Taleb, Charles Darwin, etc.
However, he was more inclined towards Indian philosophy.
8.Independence
by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
This heartwarming novel blends patriotism with sisterhood. It’s one of the best books about Indian freedom struggle written in a moving and emotional style. This story describes the contemporary times when the freedom movement was going on in India. It is as thrilling as it is heartbreaking.
Deepa, Priya and Jamini live in Ranapur, Bengal. The entire family is shattered when their father Dr. Nabakumar Ganguly dies. The father’s best friend supports the children and helps them fulfill their dreams.
The youngest daughter Priya wants to become a doctor. She is very intelligent and practical. She is determined to fulfill her father’s dreams.
Jamini may be dutiful and responsible, but she is not very happy with her sisters. She has many desires in her mind which she wants to fulfill. She helps her mother in stitching kantha to meet the household expenses. She has a deep desire in her heart to be loved by everyone.
The eldest sister Deepa is in love with a young Muslim League leader. She is extremely beautiful. But she has to suffer the consequences of loving someone outside the community.
When the time of partition came, many people were separated from their loved ones. The same happened with these three sisters. They were scared. Then they tried to understand the true meaning of freedom and its real value.
This is indeed a very touching and emotional work by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.
9. Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye-by
Lt Gen KJS ‘Tiny’ Dhillon
There are so many heroes who have dedicated their entire lives to the country. One of them is Lieutenant General K.J.S. ‘Tiny’ Dhillon, who dedicated almost 40 years in the service of the country. As an infantry veteran of the Rajputana Rifles, he was posted in Kashmir many times during his service.
In this book, he has not only openly depicted his life, but also Kashmir. He has engraved the entire journey from childhood to the year 2020 in this book as if it was an engraving. This is the reason why Kashmir became the most important part of his life. He has explained in detail how a small boy later became the Chinar Corps Commander. He believes that during this time he faced many big challenges and made immense efforts to bring balance in Kashmir – between counter terrorism operations on one hand and the use of military power on the other.
It is impossible not to mention Kashmiri Pandits while talking about Kashmir. From the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits to the truths that never came to light, he has exposed them all. He has explained in depth the impact of the removal of Article 370 on Jammu and Kashmir. Apart from this, Dhillon has also clearly explained the impact of the Balakot air strikes on the social, political and economic structure there. That is why it would not be wrong to say that this book is a first-hand account of Kashmir and its people.
We find those facts that are never brought to anyone’s attention in this book. We will be able to know from this book what really happened in Kashmir in the name of development.
In the end, it can be said that if you are interested in reading real stories of the army, then you must read “Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye”.
Have we ever wondered what a soldier’s family life is like? And how would they balance their personal and professional life? To know all these facts, definitely read this book. Especially those who want to join the military and are looking for inspiration.
10.Lahore: Book 1 Of The Partition Trilogy
By Manreet Sodhi Someshwar
This story is set in the backdrop of the pre-independence era, when the policy of divide and rule was in practice. In this story, we get such a mixed tadka of love, friendship and relationships that keeps the reader hooked till the end. On one hand, in Lahore, Sepoy Malik returns home from the war and wants to marry his girlfriend, while on the other hand, in Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel are busy in meetings with British Viceroy Dicky Mountbatten and discussing the future of the country.
Although Lahore is the backdrop of this story, the story runs parallelly in two cities. This story is set in a period when politicians were very busy in politics. According to them, India got independence only through politics. But the same politics also divided the country, and the circumstances became such that those who were once busy with their households were also forced to take up the sword. It was such a bloody scene in which none of the women, children and old people were spared.
The Partition Trilogy is a research-based book. All the facts mentioned in it are based on deep research. When we read this book, we reach the era where on one hand India was fighting for independence and on the other hand it was suffering the huge loss of partition. At the same time, the end of the princely states was also beginning. This book takes the reader on a tour of that time when there was turmoil everywhere. This powerful novel, based on deep research, takes us into the turbulent times of Partition. It stands out as one of the most detailed Partition of India stories written in recent years.
I think this book is a must read. Manreet Sodhi Someshwar has crafted it very intelligently, which makes it a must-have book in your library.
Reading these must-read books on India’s Independence and freedom fighters helps us compare modern India with the sacrifices of the past. Books hold authentic knowledge that the internet often cannot provide.
As Ernest Hemingway rightly said — “There is no truer friend than a book.”
So this Independence Day, pick up one of these best patriotic books India has to offer, and experience the courage, sacrifice, and hope that shaped our nation.
So keep reading.
Connect with us on whatsapp for more deals and offers.
Good collection!