Seminar papers.

The Encyclopedia of Empire provides exceptional in-depth, comparative coverage of empires throughout human history and across the globe.

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.

The Satavahanas were one of the empire builders in ancient India. Their rule extended almost over the entire region south of Vindhyas and their reign is marked by considerable peace and prosperity which was due to flourishing trade with Roman empire. The artistic creations of Satavahana era are among the grandest, comparable in their monumental quality to such imposing buildings as Khajuraho and Chola temples. The book aimed at delineating the characteristic features of its regional varieties such as western and central India and southern Deccan. Satavahana art includes such imposing edifices as early Buddhist rock-cut caves of western India, the Gateways at Sanchi and the sculpture of the Mahastupa at Amaravati, the magnificent paintings in the Hinayana group at Ajanta, besides beautiful terracottas, bronzes and ivories. They constitute a link between the Maurya-Sunga art of the earlier period and the later that of the Golden Age of the Guptas.

Ancient Indian history has always been mystical; more so a virtual utopia for historians and researchers. This scholarly text narrates the ancient Indian history from the genesis of civilisations to the early middle ages. It examines the sources, chronology of civilisations and authoritatively details the facts, feats, triumphs and religious crusades of the period. It unveils the rich cultural, religious and social diversity that is uniquely and peculiarly Indian. The book is of immense use to students and scholars of history and for candidates preparing for civil services examinations.