History of Ancient India – I

Paper Code: 
HIS 101
Credits: 
3
Contact Hours: 
45.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

The study of this paper will enable the students to find the patterns and establish its meanings through the study of Ancient Indian Civilizations like Indus Valley and Vedic Civilization and comprehend the historical developments and changes in India in religion and society. The explanation of historical causality-the how and why the change occurs within Ancient Indian societies and cultures along with the political developments, imperialism and monarchical pattern of governance shall be taken up.

 

9.00
Unit I: 
Unit I

Sources of Ancient Indian History-Archaeology, Literary sources, Numismatics, Accounts of foreign travelers & writers.

Indus Valley Civilization.

11.00
Unit II: 
Unit II

Vedic culture-Vedic literature, Theories about the Original home of the Aryans, social & political organizations, economic & religious life.

Jainism & Buddhism –causes of origin.

Mahajanpadas

 

 

 

8.00
Unit III: 
Unit III

Rise of Magadha

The Mauryan Empire-Sources, Chandragupta Maurya, Bimbisara.

Megasthenese’s Account

9.00
Unit IV: 
Unit IV

Ashoka-Early career & conquests, the concept of Dhamma

Mauryan Administration, Mauryan Art & Architecture, Downfall of Mauryan Empire.

The Shungas-Pushyamitra Shunga & his achievements.

 

 

 

8.00
Unit V: 
Unit V

The Satvahanas-Gautmiputra Shatkarni

Kushanas-early Kushanas, Kanishka & his association with Buddhism, Art, learning and other achievements.

Essential Readings: 

References:

  • Basham, A.L. The wonder that was India, Mumbai, Rupa 1971.
  • Chakrabarti, D.K., India: An Archaeological History, Paleolithic beginning to Early Historical Foundation, Delhi; OUP, 1999.
  • Comprehensive History of India Vol. II, 1957, III, Orient Longman, 1952; IV, Delhi PPH, 1992.
  • Jha D.N. and Shrimali K.M. – Prachin Bharat Ka Itihas, Delhi, Hindi Directorate, 1990.
  • R.S. Sharma, Aspects of political Ideas and Institution in Ancient India, Delhi, Motilal Banarasidass, 1991, Revised Edition.
  • P.L. Gautam and Kamlesh Sharma: Prachin Bharat, Prarambh se 1200 tak.
  • Nilkantha Shastri K.A., A History of South India from Pre-historic times to the Fall of Vijaynagar, Chennai, OUP, 1983.
  • Majumdar R.C. etal, History and Culture of the Indian People, Vols, II, III, IV, V Mumbai, Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan Series, 1970, 1979, 1980.
  • Gregory. L. Possehl, The Indus Civilization, (A contemporary Perspective), New Delhi, Vistaar Publications, 2002.
  • Smith V.A., Ashoka – The Buddhist Emperor of India, Arihant Publishers, Jaipur, 1988.
  • Hemchandra Ray Chaudhary, Political History of Ancient India, Delhi, OUP, 1987.
  •  

 

Essential Reading:

  • Majumdar R.C. – Ancient India
  • R.S. Tripathi – History of Ancient India, Delhi, Motilal Banarasidass, 1992.
  • Krishna Gopal Sharma, Kamal Nayan etc. – Prachin Bharat Ka Itihas (Hindi)
  • Romilla Thapar – A History of India, Vol., I, Pelican, 1966, Penguin, Harmondsworth

 

Academic Year: 
2016-17
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