History is not the story of rulers and their politics alone. It encompasses all occurrences and chain of events, major or minor, in all spheres of life. Of the various elements that constitute, influence and shape history, tolerance is by far the most important. It is the hallmark of civilization, and a bulwark against injustice and belligerence. Also, it is the most appropriate yardstick of a nation's greatness showing how far it has been successful in overcoming the inherent differences of its members, and how much it has conquered hatred and unpleasantness.Tolerance assumes special importance in case of India. According to Arnold Toyanbee 'religion is the most important of all human experiences and activities' and 'In most periods of the history of the Indian subcontinent the Indians have felt more concern about religion than about politics and economics.' Playing a dominant role in the lives of the Indians, religion assumes a special position in the context of tolerance. This book thus views the history of India mainly from the angels mentioned above. About the Author:
SYED OSMAN SHER served Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO), as Chief Economic Secretary in Turkey; United Nations, as consultant at Kenya; Commonwealth, as Trade Policy Adviser in Mozambique; and SAARC as Planning Expert in Maldives. Since 1991, he has settled in Canada. He has written a book, The India of Ancient Times in 1999, which was published by Vikas Publishing House, New Delhi
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