The Present Book, New History Of Ancient India, Is An Attempt To Present The Indian History In The Light Of Recent Discoveries And Excavations Made In This Field. The History Of India Before The Invasion Of Alexander The Great In 328 B.C. Has Been Generally Considered A Myth. Accordingly, Brahma, Vishnu And Mahesh, Manu And Mandhata, Harishchandra And Bhagirath, Shri Rama And Shri Krishna, All Have Been Treated Non-Historical, Mythical Personages. But The Recent Discoveries Like Those Of Dwarika Of Shri Krishna In The Sea And Lanka Of Ravana In Orissa As Well As The Authentic Determining Of The Date Of Floods, That Find Mention In The Purana, Have Outrightly Refuted The Past Presumptions. With New Things Coming To Light, It Is Desirable That History Be Rewritten. It Is With This View That The Present Book Has Been Written. It Aims At Presenting The Information In An Analytic Manner And Also In Chronological Order. Beginning From The Vedic Yuga, The Book Presents An In-Depth Study Of Devasura Yuga, Satya Yuga, Dwapar Yuga And Kaliyuga. All The Information, Both Conventional And Recent, Provided In The Book Are Authentic As They Are Taken From The Authoritative Sources. The Book Is Unique In Its Presentation As It Richly Provides Maps Of Ancient States, Photographs And Figures, Which Not Only Give A Glimpse Of The Related Age Or Yuga But Also Facilitate Easy Understanding Of Information. Since Miracles, Exaggerations, Mysteries And Supernatural Powers Find No Reference Here, The Book Can Be Held A Complete, Authoritative Text On Ancient Indian History.It Is Hoped That The Students, Research Scholars And Even Teachers Of Indian History Will Find This Book Highly Useful And Indispensable For Having A Thorough And Updated Knowledge Of Ancient India. Even The General Readers Will Find This Book Extremely Interesting And Informative.

The Present Book, New History Of Ancient India, Is An Attempt To Present The Indian History In The Light Of Recent Discoveries And Excavations Made In This Field. The History Of India Before The Invasion Of Alexander The Great In 328 B.C. Has Been Generally Considered A Myth. Accordingly, Brahma, Vishnu And Mahesh, Manu And Mandhata, Harishchandra And Bhagirath, Shri Rama And Shri Krishna, All Have Been Treated Non-Historical, Mythical Personages. But The Recent Discoveries Like Those Of Dwarika Of Shri Krishna In The Sea And Lanka Of Ravana In Orissa As Well As The Authentic Determining Of The Date Of Floods, That Find Mention In The Purana, Have Outrightly Refuted The Past Presumptions. With New Things Coming To Light, It Is Desirable That History Be Rewritten. It Is With This View That The Present Book Has Been Written. It Aims At Presenting The Information In An Analytic Manner And Also In Chronological Order. Beginning From The Vedic Yuga, The Book Presents An In-Depth Study Of Devasura Yuga, Satya Yuga, Dwapar Yuga And Kaliyuga. All The Information, Both Conventional And Recent, Provided In The Book Are Authentic As They Are Taken From The Authoritative Sources. The Book Is Unique In Its Presentation As It Richly Provides Maps Of Ancient States, Photographs And Figures, Which Not Only Give A Glimpse Of The Related Age Or Yuga But Also Facilitate Easy Understanding Of Information. Since Miracles, Exaggerations, Mysteries And Supernatural Powers Find No Reference Here, The Book Can Be Held A Complete, Authoritative Text On Ancient Indian History.It Is Hoped That The Students, Research Scholars And Even Teachers Of Indian History Will Find This Book Highly Useful And Indispensable For Having A Thorough And Updated Knowledge Of Ancient India. Even The General Readers Will Find This Book Extremely Interesting And Informative.

India: The Ancient Past provides a clear and systematic introduction to the cultural, political, economic, social and geographical history of ancient India from the time of the pre-Harappan culture nine thousand years ago up until the beginning of the second millennium of the Common Era. The book engages with methodological and controversial issues by examining key themes such as the Indus-Sarasvati civilization, the Aryan controversy, the development of Vedic and heterodox religions, and the political economy and social life of ancient Indian kingdoms. This fully revised and updated second edition includes: Three new chapters examining the differences and commonalities between the north and south of India; Extended discussion on contested issues, such as the origins of the Aryans and the role of feudalism in ancient India; New source excerpts to introduce students to the most significant works in the historiography of India, and questions for discussion; Study guides, including a list of key issues, suggested readings and a selection of internet sources for each chapter; Specially designed maps to illustrate different time periods and geographical regions This richly illustrated guide provides a fascinating account of the early development of Indian culture and civilization that will appeal to all students of Indian history.

This book presents a complete and accessible description of the history of early India. It starts by discussing the origins and growth of civilizations, empires, and religions. It also deals with 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. In addition, the rise of Jainism and Buddhism, Magadha and the beginning of territorial states, and the period of Mauryas, Central Asian countries, Satvahanas, Guptas, and Harshavardhana are also analysed. Next, it stresses varna system, urbanization, commerce and trade, developments in science and philosophy, and cultural legacy. Finally, the process of transition from ancient to medieval India and the origin of the Aryan culture has also been examined.

This book is a substantially modified and enlarged version of the author's "Ancient India: An Introductory Outline" (Delhi, 1977) and surveys the major developments in India's social, economic and cultural history up to the end of the ancient period and the beginning of the early middle ages and explains the rise and growth of states with reference to their material basis. Special attention has been paid to the elements of change and continuity in society, economy and culture, and to the changing forms of exploitation and consequent social tensions as well as to the role of religion and superstition in society. The book demolishes the popular historiographical stereotypes created by the Hindu-chauvinist communal writings. It also gives the lie to the view that the Indian society has been stagnant and changeless -- a view which was propagated by Western scholars in the heyday of British imperialism and continues to be peddled ingeniously in our own times. The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi ... and the demolition of the Baburi Masjid are two ... unforgettable milestones in the unfolding of the backward-looking Hindu revivalist and fascist politics of contemporary India. Since both Harappa and Mohenjodaro are situated now in Pakistan, the Hindu revivalists are busy locating the epicentre of the Harappan culture in the elusive Saraswati valley.

Revised version of papers presented at the Workshop on Ancient Indian History, held at New Delhi during 27-28 August 2005.