A History of India Volume ONE

Author: Romila ThaparPublisher: PenguinYear: 2000Language: EnglishPages: 380ISBN/UPC (if available): 0140138358 DescriptionHere is renowned historian Romila Thapar's vivid and detailed account of the culture of the Indo-Aryans. Interestingly woven within the chronological fabric spanning from 1000 B.C to the advent of the Mughals in 1526, Thapar has dexterously blended India's social and economic structure with the political and dynastic events during the era. The book gives a picturesque description of the varied manifestations of the Indian culture as evident in art, religion and literature.ContentsAcknowledgementsPrefaceCHAPTER 1THE ANTECEDENTSThe discovery of India Changing approaches to Indian history The archaeological backgroundCHAPTER 2THE IMPACT OF ARYAN CULTURESources of evidenceThe political organization of Aryan tribesCaste and other social institutionsVedic religionCHAPTER 3REPUBLICS AND KINGDOMS C. 600-321 B.C.Evolving political patternsThe rise of the kingdom of MagadhaT