Author: R.S. Sharma
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2008
Language: English
Pages: 387
ISBN/UPC (if available): 019568785X
Description
In this engaging narrative, R.S. Sharma provides a comprehensive and accessible account of the history of ancient India. India's Ancient Past traces the development of social formations, polities, and cultures in India from the emergence of the first human beings to the advent of the early medieval period. Beginning with a discussion on frameworks of the writing of history -- approaches, sources, and significance-the book sheds light on the origins and growth of civilizations, empires, and religions. It covers the geographical, ecological, and linguistic backgrounds, and looks at specific cultures of the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Vedic periods, as well as at the Harappan civilization.
The author discusses the rise of Jainism and Buddhism, Magadha and the beginning of territorial states, and the period of Mauryas, Central Asian countries, Satavahanas, Guptas and Harshavardhana. He highlights important phenomena such as the Verna system, urbanization, commerce and trade, developments in science and philosophy, and cultural legacy. He also examines the process of transition from ancient to medieval India and addresses topical issues such as the origin of the Aryan culture and the communal approach to history and historical construction.
The insightful and lucidly written book, by one of the best-known scholars of ancient India, is a wonderfully readable introduction to India's early history for students, tourists, and the interested general readers.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
List of Plates
List of Maps
The Significance of Ancient Indian History
Modern Historians of Ancient India
Nature of Sources and Historical Construction
Geographical Setting
Ecology and Environment
The Linguistic Background
Human Evolution: The Old Stone Age
The Neolithic Age: First Food Producers and
Animal Keepers
Chalcolithic Cultures
Harappan Culture: bronze Age
Urbanization in the Indus Valley
Identity of Aryan Culture
The Age of the Rig Veda
The Later Vedic Phase:
Transition to State and Social Orders
Jainism and Buddhism
Territorial States and the Rise of Magadha
Iranian and Macedonian Invasions
State Structure and the Varna System
In the Age of the Buddha
The Maurya Age
The significance of Maurya Rule
Central Asian Contact and Mutual Impact
The Satavahana Phase
The Dawn of History in the Deep South
Crafts, commerce, and Urban Growth
(200 BC –AD 250)
Rise and growth of the Gupta Empire
Life in the Gupta age
Spread o civilization in Eastern India
Harsha and His Times
Brahmanization, Rural Expansion, and
Peasant Protest in the Peninsula
Developments in Philosophy
Cultural Interaction with Asian Countries
From Ancient to Medieval
Sequence of Social Changes
Legacy in Science and Civilization
Chronology of Literary Sources
Bibliography
Index