India : the ancient past : a history of the Indian sub-continent from c. 7000 BC to AD 1200

This carefully crafted study presents the fascinating story of the development and establishment of India’s culture and civilization from early pre-history through to the early second millennium. Encompassing topics such as the Harappan Civilization, the rise of Hindu culture, the influx of Islam in the eighth and the eleventh/twelfth centuries and key empires, states and dynasties, __India: The Ancient Past__ engages with methodological and controversial issues. Key features of this illustrated guide include: * a range of maps illustrating different temporal and geographical regions * selected source extracts at the end of each chapter, for review and reflection * questions for discussion. This book provides comprehensive coverage of the political, spiritual, cultural and geographical history of India, making it an enriching read for anyone with an interest in this captivating period of history. "A clear and systematic introduction to the story of the Indian past from early pre-history up until the beginning of the second millennium, this survey provides a fascinating account of the early development of Indian culture and civilisation. The study covers topics such as the Harappan Civilisation, the rise of Hindu culture, the influx of Islam from the eighth to the twelfth century, and key empires, states and dynasties. Through such topics and their historiographies, the book engages with methodological and controversial issues." "Features of this illustrated guide also include a range of maps to illustrate different time periods and geographical regions. Selected source extracts for review and reflection can be found at the end of every chapter, together with questions for discussion." "India: The Ancient Past provides comprehensive coverage of the political, spiritual, cultural and geographical history of India in a uniquely accessible manner that will appeal both to students and to those with a general interest in Indian history."--Jacket

this Carefully Crafted Study Presents The Fascinating Story Of The Development And Establishment Of India’s Culture And Civilization From Early Pre-history Through To The Early Second Millennium.

encompassing Topics Such As Harappan Civilization, The Rise Of Hindu Culture, The Influx Of Islam In The 8th And The 11th/12th Centuries And Key Empires, States And Dynasties, india: The Ancient Past engages With Methodological And Controversial Issues.

features Of This Illustrated Guide Include:

• a Range Of New Maps Illustrating Different Temporal And Geographical Regions
• selected Source Extracts At The End Of Each Chapter, For Review And Reflection
• questions For Discussion.

this Comprehensive Coverage Of The Political, Spiritual, Cultural And Geographical History Of India, Presents A Book That Will Be An Enriching Read For Students Of This Period And A Rewarding Addition To The Bookshelves Of Anyone With An Interest In This Captivating Period Of History.

This carefully crafted study presents the fascinating story of the development and establishment of India's culture and civilization from early pre-history through to the early second millennium. Encompassing topics such as Harappan Civilization, the rise of Hindu culture, the influx of Islam in the 8th and the 11th/12th centuries and key empires, states and dynasties, India: The Ancient Past engages with methodological and controversial issues. Features of this illustrated guide include:a range of new maps illustrating different temporal and geographical regionsselected source extracts at the end of each chapter, for review and reflectionquestions for discussion. This comprehensive coverage of the political, spiritual, cultural and geographical history of India, presents a book that will be an enriching read for students of this period and a rewarding addition to the bookshelves of anyone with an interest in this captivating period of history Humanities Book Cover 1 Title 4 Copyright 5 Dedication 6 Contents 8 Extracts 10 Illustrations 12 Preface 14 Four major eras of ancient Indian history: A summary of key themes 18 1 Introduction 20 2 From Africa to Mehrgarh: The early pre-history of India 41 3 The Harappan Civilisation 57 4 The Indo-Aryans in the Vedic Age 79 5 Formative centuries of the pre-Mauryan era 105 6 The paradox of Mauryan imperialism 124 7 Diffusion and dynamism after the Mauryas 147 8 Stability and change under the imperial Guptas 174 9 The post-Gupta era and the rise of the south 200 10 Regionalism and feudalism: Rajput, Pala and Rashtrakuta kingdoms 222 11 Chola domination in the south and Turco-Afghan plunder in the north 246 Afterword: India post-AD 1200 274 Glossary of Indic terms 276 Glossary of selected ancient Indic place-names 278 Classification of ancient Indian texts by subjects 279 Bibliography 283 Index 298 Collating the new original research, this concise survey of Indian history, covering the period from early prehistory, through to the arrival of Islam in the eighth century, provides a fascinating account of how modern-day India was formed.