The importance of the study of the history of Asia needs no special emphasis, particularly with the emergence of Japan, China and India as major powers of this continent. This book is different from other books of this genre, as it connects the ancient and medieval with the modern. It deals with the account of each country in its geographical setting, highlighting those incidents in neighbouring countries which have had some impact upon it. The ancient and medieval periods cover topics like migration, early settlements, formation of kingdoms and empires, socio-economic matters, Islamic penetrations and the advent of Western powers. The modem period is treated in great detail, especially matters like colonisation, impact of Western civilisation, the rise of nationalism and the gaining of independence following the Second World War. Current history, which includes aspects like subversion of democracies, the ushering in of military rule, ethnic conflicts, movements for the restoration of democracy, oppression of minorities, economic issues and the possibility of nuclear war -- right up to the end of the millennium -- has been dealt with in a fascinating way, with maps and a bibliography to stimulate the reader's interest.
