For someone unfamiliar with geography, a world map might appear as nothing more than a mosaic of colours. Yet, each colour represents more than just a geographical boundary - it embodies an identity. An identity that shapes people's lives, influences their allegiances, and, at times, fuels conflicts.
Nations have been built and defended in the name of these identities, and history has witnessed moments when humanity itself was sacrificed at their altar. However, the very idea of dividing land into distinct national territories is a relatively recent intellectual development - a construct of the human mind aimed at creating exclusive zones known as nations.
Before the dawn of human history, none of the world's existing countries - except one - had an independent marker. The lone exception was India. The landmass now called India (the subcontinent) has had a uniquely continuous identity for an astonishing 140 million years.
This book serves as a tribute to the resilience of a civilisation that has continuously adapted, reinvented, and flourished. It provides an essential foundation for anyone seeking to understand India's vast history, offering a glimpse into the dynamism that has shaped its journey through time.