First volume of this set seals with various phases of Ancient Indian History having bearing on the socio-economic life of our society. The chapters cover the early society, vedic religion literature, architecture, Kurus, Panchalas, Kosalas, caste system, development of astronomy, social customs, foundation and spread of Buddhism and the Persian and Greek invasions on India. Second volume deals with the Mauryan Empire and its administration, Asoka and his Rock Edicts, age of Guptas, the account of Fa-Hien, Harsha and his administration, the emergence of Rajputs in the Rajputana region.

First volume of this set deals with the foundation of Muslim Rule in India with conquest of Sind and Multan and subsequently of trans-Indus region. The last phase, however deals with the Bahmani Kingdom in the south of India. The theme has been dealt with chronologically, viz. the Muslim conquests of Sind, Multan and other regions, the slave rulers, Ala-ud-Din Khilji, Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, Firoz Tughlaq, Sayyid Dynasty, the Lodi Dynasty, the administration during the period, development of education, art and architecture, socio-economic condition, the Bhakti Movement, Sfism, Vijayanagar Kingdom and Bahmani Kingdom and their decline. Thus, it gives a glimpse of the period from 712 A.D. to 1525, a year prior to the commencement of the Mughal rule in India in 1526 when the first Battle of Panipat was fought. Second volume deals with the ascendancy of Babur as the Emperor of India in 1526 when he achieved success in the first battle of Panipat; the achievements of Humayun, Sher Shah and Akbar, the Great. The system of Government, both at the centre and in the provinces, the relationship with Rajputs, army system, development of education, art and literature, and the socio-economic life have been vividly described. Third volume covers the period of the eminent Mughal Emperors who succeeded Akbar, the Great after 1605. Their rule lasted for about one and a half century and during this period they had to face much opposition from several regions of India. Numerous revolts were crushed by them. But these factors weakened their position in the long run. It is obvious that so long as Aurangzeb remained at the helm of affairs, the administrative machinery was geared up in a nice manner. But with his death in 1707, we find weak rulers on the throne who failed to strengthen their position on the throne. This factor afforded a better opportunity to the British to establish their supremacy in India.

First volume of this set deals with the East India Company's administration in Indian sub-continent. The themes covered are the Anglo-French wars, role of Clive, administration of Governor-Generals from Warren Hastings to Lord Dalhousie, their relations with the princely states, two Anglo-Sikh Wars and several changes in internal and foreign policy of the Company's administrators in India. The themes covered in second volume are the Mutiny of 1857, Civil Service, Financial Policy, Famine of 2873-74, Foreign Policy and the Administration of Lord Lytton and Lord Ripon. Indeed this period commenced with the end of the Company's rule in India and new orientation was given to various administrative measures devised by the Home Government. Third volume deals with the emergence of Mahatma Gandhi on the political scene of India after his chequered career in South Africa. He dominated the political stage soon after 1917 when he launched the Champaran Satyagraha. Thereafter he led non -violent movement, which demanded Swaraj for India. The other events covered are the Council-entry programme, the formation of the Swaraj Party under the leadership of Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das and their grand success in the elections. The appointment of Simon Commission witnessed national upsurge in our country and during this period Motilal Nehru as President of the Congress put forth the demand for Dominion Status in Calcutta Congress session. The last volume in the series covering the period from 1929 to 1947, viz. the historic Lahore Congress to the dawn of Independence on 15th August 1947, deals with several themes like Nehru's call for complete independence, the Dandi March, Civil Disobedience Movement, Gandhi-Irwin Pact, the Act if 1935, formation of ministries in the provinces, political ideology of Jinnah, the global was, the Quit India Movement, British policy of severe repression, Monutbatten as the Viceroy of India, the Partition Plan and parley with Indian leaders, Gandhi's views and ultimate division of the sub-continent on 15th August, 1947.

The Punjab, divided into several misls in the 18th century, depicted a weak political set up in the North- West region of our country. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a powerful ruler not only defeated the Chiefs of these misls, but also built a strong and well-knit empire with his capital at Lahore. The East India Company's government sensed danger from his onward march towards Delhi and checked his advance through diplomatic measures. The restless spirit of the Maharaja promoted his to subjugate the trans-Sutlej region in a few years. The British government did not interfere in his domain till his death in 1839. The two Anglo-Sikh wars decided the issue in favour of the British and the Punjab was annexed after a decade. The work deals with the administration of Ranjit Singh and his several measures for the welfare of his people. It is a useful study for teachers, research scholars and students of Modern Indian History.