{"product_id":"the-wonder-that-was-india-v-1","title":"The Wonder That Was India by A. L. Basham","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"111\" data-end=\"159\"\u003eBook Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"161\" data-end=\"852\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"161\" data-end=\"188\"\u003eThe Wonder That Was India\u003c\/em\u003e by Arthur Llewellyn Basham is a landmark work first published in 1954, offering a comprehensive and scholarly yet accessible account of India’s ancient civilization up to the arrival of the Muslims. The book presents a detailed picture of India’s political, social, cultural, religious, and intellectual development, with particular attention to Hinduism, Buddhism, art, literature, and philosophy. Basham counters the colonial narrative that portrayed ancient India as static or backward by highlighting its rich pluralistic traditions, advanced urban planning, mathematical and scientific achievements, and vibrant philosophical schools.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"854\" data-end=\"1214\"\u003eHe draws from original Sanskrit, Pali, and Prakrit sources, as well as archaeological findings, to reconstruct the complexity of Indian civilization. Basham’s tone is respectful and admiring, yet rooted in academic rigor. The book remains a foundational text for anyone seeking to understand India’s ancient past from a balanced, deeply researched perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1221\" data-end=\"1257\"\u003eAbout the Author:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"2001\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1286\"\u003eArthur Llewellyn Basham\u003c\/strong\u003e (1914–1986) was a renowned British Indologist, historian, and professor of Asian civilizations. Educated at SOAS, University of London, Basham became a leading authority on Indian culture and religion. He served as Professor and Head of the History Department at SOAS and later taught in Australia. Basham mentored several prominent historians, including \u003cstrong data-start=\"1642\" data-end=\"1659\"\u003eRomila Thapar\u003c\/strong\u003e, and was widely respected for his deep empathy toward Indian civilization and his ability to communicate its richness to global audiences. His writings, especially \u003cem data-start=\"1824\" data-end=\"1851\"\u003eThe Wonder That Was India\u003c\/em\u003e, helped reshape Western perceptions of India, moving beyond colonial stereotypes to portray an advanced, diverse, and intellectually vibrant society.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Best of used books","offers":[{"title":"Used","offer_id":44274408653057,"sku":"2RJISDXXD-Used","price":199.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0421\/4299\/0495\/products\/9780283992575.jpg?v=1660652438","url":"https:\/\/bestofusedbooks.com\/products\/the-wonder-that-was-india-v-1","provider":"Best Of Used Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}