Part I: The Advent of Europeans and the Establishment of British Rule
1. The Arrival of Europeans
2. The Mughal Empire and its Decline
3. The Rise of the British East India Company
4. The Battle of Plassey and the Conquest of Bengal
5. The Carnatic Wars and the Establishment of British Domination in South India
6. The Revolt of 1857 and the Transfer of Power to the Crown
Part II: India Under British Rule
7. Administrative and Political Developments
8. Economic Exploitation of India
9. Social and Religious Reforms
10. The Indian National Congress
11. The Rise of Extremism and Revolutionary Movements
12. The Indian National Movement: 1905-1919
13. The Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement
14. The Quit India Movement

Part III: Independence and Post-Independence India
15. The Partition of India
16. The Challenges of Nation-Building
17. Economic Planning and Development
18. Social and Political Changes
19. India's Foreign Policy
20. Contemporary India

Rajiv Ahir's "A Brief History of Modern India" offers a detailed exploration of India's tumultuous journey from the arrival of European powers to its hard-won independence. This revised edition delves deeper into crucial aspects like tribal movements, constitutional developments, and workers' movements. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the socio-economic, political, and cultural transformations that shaped modern India. Ahir's lucid writing style, coupled with insightful analysis, makes this book an invaluable resource for UPSC and state administrative exam aspirants. The inclusion of appendices, charts, and lists enhances the reader's understanding of key historical events and personalities. While the book's length might be daunting for some, it is a necessary sacrifice for those seeking a thorough understanding of India's complex history.