India's Ancient Past

Author: R.S. SharmaPublisher: Oxford University PressYear: 2008Language: EnglishPages: 387ISBN/UPC (if available): 019568785X DescriptionIn 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, Satavahana