Description
The series “History of Ancient India” is a comprehensive exploration of India’s past, aiming to reassess and articulate its civilizational and cultural heritage within the context of a globalized world. Comprising eleven volumes, this ambitious project presents a nationalist, factual, and objective account of ancient Indian history.
Volume I: Prehistoric Roots – History of Ancient India
Covers the earliest phase of human activity in the Indian subcontinent. This volume discusses archaeological evidence, anthropological findings, and environmental factors to trace the evolution of human society in prehistoric India.
Volume II: Protohistoric Foundations – History of Ancient India
Focuses on protohistoric cultures, especially the Harappan Civilization, examining its urban development, social structure, economy, and possible cultural continuities with later Indian civilization.
Volume III: The Texts, Political History and Administration, till c. 200 BC – History of Ancient India
Explores early Indian texts including Vedic, Buddhist, and Jaina literature. It also outlines the political developments and administrative structures up to the end of the Mauryan Empire (circa 200 BC), including the emergence of early state systems.
Volume IV: Political History and Administration (c. 200 BC – AD 750) – History of Ancient India
Traces the political landscape of post-Mauryan India, highlighting the rise of regional kingdoms, imperial formations like the Guptas, and the evolution of administrative mechanisms over time.
Volume V: Political History and Administration (AD 750 – 1300) – History of Ancient India
Continues the political narrative through the early medieval period, focusing on regional power centers such as the Rashtrakutas, Palas, Cholas, and others. The volume analyzes shifts in governance and inter-regional interactions.
Volume VI: Social, Political and Judicial Ideas, Institutions and Practices – History of Ancient India
Examines the evolution of Indian social organization, political theories, and legal institutions. It discusses the varna-jati system, dharmaśāstra traditions, and administrative structures that underpinned ancient Indian polity and society.
Volume VII: Economy: Agriculture, Crafts and Trade – History of Ancient India
Covers the economic foundations of ancient India, exploring agricultural practices, craft production, internal and external trade, urbanism, and guild organizations through historical and archaeological evidence.
Volume VIII: Sculpture, Painting, Terracottas, Performing Arts and Architecture – History of Ancient India
Focuses on India’s artistic and architectural traditions, including religious and secular monuments, visual arts, iconography, performing arts, and their cultural contexts.
Volume IX: Science and Technology, Medicine – History of Ancient India
Details India’s contributions to scientific thought and technological innovation, covering fields such as mathematics, astronomy, metallurgy, medicine (Āyurveda), and engineering.
Volume X: Literature and Literary Ideas, Religious and Philosophical Systems – History of Ancient India
Explores the literary traditions of ancient India across Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, and Tamil, along with the development of religious doctrines and philosophical schools like Vedānta, Sāṃkhya, Jaina, and Buddhist thought.
Volume XI: Ancient India’s Interrelations with the World – History of Ancient India
Analyzes India’s interactions with neighboring and distant regions—culturally, economically, and intellectually. The volume covers trade routes, migrations, religious missions, and India’s influence across Asia and beyond.
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