The book provides essential and critical information on India's Art and Culture in a simple and lucid style that is easy to comprehend by Indians and non-Indians alike. It covers diverse topics like architecture, music, dance, theatre, cinema, painting, religions, fairs and festivals, arts and crafts, language and literature and tribes of India.

The book is indispensable for anyone who wants to have an overview of the fundamental aspects of the rich cultural heritage of India in a single volume. It would also be useful for undergraduate and graduate scholars of Indology across the world, besides the aspirants of civil services in India for whom acquiring knowledge of the essential India is crucial.