The book titled “Swift Horses Sharp Swords: Medieval Battles which Shook India”, written by Amit Agrawal presents history for layman readers. It’s a good researched book covering ancient India to the current timeline and gives an overview to understand basic concepts behind all the events. This book consists of nearly 55 chapters discussing the Vedic era, different Indic religions, the evolution of Islam, afterward effects due to Islamic invasion, and decline of Hinduism.
It feels good when we read about transformation felt by the author from his early history reading to now which motivated him to write and present another view on those topics. The author does not shy away from mentioning and quoting the atrocities done to Hindus/Indians by invaders. He has tried with proper proofs to clear the veil behind which leftist historians have hidden Islam and Sufism and made it look pious. He also gives details of the monetary loss and slaughter of Hindus by the hands of Invaders during the Islamic invasion of India.
Our current history book does not mention many Indian brave hearts who fought valiantly to invaders, many of them till their death. The author’s attempt to present their stories to new readers is praiseworthy.
During the discussion on the caste system, author looks a little confused in comparing it with the varna system mentioned in Vedas and Manusmriti. It feels like he is influenced by the current caste system narrative and its bad effects on overall society. He explains with much clarity the effects of the caste system during the medieval period and later during British rule and how it made Hindus of that time week and Hinduism suffer.
Hindu way of life made the temples a centre of spiritual, educational, cultural, social, and economic awakening and growth. The wealth accumulated at temples attracted invaders too. The demography of India and the decentralized nature of the Hindu religion kept it surviving and even flourishing during the brutalities of Islamic rulers and even in British rule.
This book has tried to scan through ancient India and focuses on medieval history, clears many myths by presenting facts but the majority of references mentioned are secondary sources. In short, this book is introductory, covered a vast timeline, explained many topics which are not visible in current history books, an eye-opener for many, and a great read for layman reader.
