Recommendations sought: A History of India

[speedy_thrills]

I'm looking for a book or two on the history of India. It doesn't need to go into minutiae but just a who, what, where, when and why of Indian history. Preferably something readable.

I would also like a book on the most important historic sites of India.

[witteringonagain]

Are fictional works acceptable?
A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth is a very readable and informative epic tome.

[speedy_thrills]

witteringonagain said:

Are fictional works acceptable?
A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth is a very readable and informative epic tome.

Ideally non-fictional but thank you for the suggestion.