Unlike many Western historians who viewed Indian history through a colonial lens, Menon’s strength lay in his objective, fact-heavy, yet narrative-driven style. He is most famous for his books on Kerala history (like A Survey of Kerala History ), but his general works on Indian history are equally revered for their crisp language and logical flow.
You can purchase official eBook versions of his works, such as the India Charithram .
Chronological mapping of the early and later Vedic ages, transitioning into the intellectual revolution that prompted the rise and fall of Buddhism and Jainism . indian history by sreedhara menon pdf
Menon rejected speculative history. His writing relies strictly on epigraphy (inscription study), numismatics (coin study), and verified foreign travelogues. He maintained a neutral, objective tone, steering clear of political biases. This dedication to evidence-based historiography ensures that his books remain timeless references for anyone studying the complex tapestry of Indian history. Share public link
While the original, most famous works are in Malayalam (like Indiacharithram ), the English translation of Indian History is also widely used. Unlike many Western historians who viewed Indian history
: A more accessible guide that tells the story of the state through biographies of key figures like Sankaracharya and Pazhassi Raja. Political History of Modern Kerala
A quick Google search shows thousands of queries for a free PDF of this book. Why? Chronological mapping of the early and later Vedic
While you will find numerous links on websites ending in .in, .org, or file-sharing sites (like Archive.org or Scribd) offering free downloads, these are usually:
: He seamlessly linked South Indian geopolitics with mainstream Delhi-centric histories.
Before exploring his books, it is essential to understand the man who authored them. Prof. A. Sreedhara Menon was born on December 18, 1925, in Ernakulam, Kerala. His academic credentials are nothing short of brilliant. He earned his Master of Arts in History from the University of Madras with first rank in 1948 and later secured another Master’s degree from Harvard University, specializing in International Relations on a Fulbright Travel Grant and Smith-Mund Scholarship.