Description

India is a country of striking contrasts – ancient traditions alongside rapid modern change, bustling megacities beside vast rural landscapes, and hundreds of languages, cultures, and beliefs woven into the world’s largest democracy. How can anyone truly begin to understand such complexity?

This engaging and thought-provoking textbook invites students on a journey of discovery through the geography, history, politics, religions, culture, society, and contemporary life of India. Ideal for courses in global studies, South Asian studies, intercultural education, world cultures, citizenship education, international studies, and multicultural learning, the book introduces learners to one of the world’s oldest and most influential civilisations.

Rather than presenting India as a set of fixed facts, the book encourages curiosity, questioning, and exploration. Using a student-centred discovery learning approach, learners investigate topics including Indian history, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam in India, Indian traditions, caste, colonialism, independence, democracy, economics, urbanisation, sustainability, Bollywood, food culture, festivals, art, literature, and contemporary social change. Along the way, students develop critical thinking, communication, research, and collaborative skills essential for today’s global citizens.

Drawing on fourteen interviews conducted across India over six years, the book brings real voices and lived experiences into the classroom. Students hear directly from people of different ages, regions, faiths, and backgrounds, gaining insight into modern Indian society and the diverse perspectives that shape contemporary India. An accompanying website provides audio-visual recordings, transcripts, recommended films, documentaries, books, and educational resources to deepen learning and engagement.

Originally developed for students in Denmark and now extensively revised for an international audience, this UK edition blends interdisciplinary learning with active, reflective exploration. Through inquiry-based activities, discussion tasks, classroom projects, and independent research opportunities, students are encouraged not only to learn about India and South Asia, but also to reflect on their own cultures, assumptions, identities, and place in an interconnected world.

Challenging, inspiring, and richly human, this book offers far more than an introduction to a country. It opens a door to intercultural understanding, cultural diversity, global awareness, empathy, and the shared humanity that connects us all.

“This is an ambitious, detailed and excellent introduction to India on virtually every level.”
– Nick Collins, Maritime Historian & Author
How Maritime Trade and the Indian Subcontinent Shaped the World
Former Director, Clarksons (1989-2014)

“Discovering India is far more than a textbook. Alongside rich understanding about India’s geography, history, politics, economy and faith cultures, Arti Kumar’s creative discovery-learning approach invites learners to think deeply, ask meaningful questions, and see the world through others’ eyes.

Her approach nurtures empathy, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence while building vital skills and qualities for life and work – such as critical thinking, communication and collaboration. Engaging and learner-centred, this is an inspiring resource that educators will want to use and that students will want to read. Highly recommended.”
– Dr Doug Cole, SFHEA (Global Employability & Student Success Expert, Higher and Further Education Consultant)