Barring the chapters focussing on political nitpicking and associated developments , this is a wonderful book to read for UPSC preparation.
Relevant chapters from exam point of view include the following (please note this list is assuming you have decent amount of time to invest for this portion) :
- Chapters 1 to 6 provide an overview of colonial legacy, build-up to constitution making and challenges immediately after independence
- Chapters 7 to 10 are extremely important viz consolidation of India as a nation and issues of integration, linguistic reorganization and regionalism
- Chapters 27 & 28 on LPG and developments post 1991
- Chapters 29 to 34 for land reforms past analyses, concurrent movements, cooperatives and impact + green revolution in agriculture
- Chapters 35 to 37 discuss challenges of communalism, caste , untouchability and suggestions at length
- Chapters 38 is a fine take on role of Indian women in nation building and social-restructuring since independence
- Chapters 39-41 can be given a quick glance for a summary and modern India’s problems and prospects
