History of Ancient India – I (Earliest times -6th Century B.C)

Paper Code: 
24HIS124(A)
Credits: 
05
Contact Hours: 
75.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

Course Objectives

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of Indian history from prehistoric times to the 6th century BC. Students will examine the intricate stages and processes shaping India's historical narrative during this period, distinguishing between civilization and culture. They'll analyze shifts in focus from the Indus to the Gangetic belt and newer areas, assessing how changes in polity, society, economy, and religion influenced these transitions. Through rigorous examination, students will gain a nuanced understanding of India's historical dynamics.

Course Outcomes: 

Course Outcomes(CO)

Course

Outcome (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

24HIS 124(A)

History of Ancient India – I (Earliest times -6th Century B.C)

 

CO19- Examine the Sources of Ancient Indian History from the beginning up to 6th Century B.C. 

CO20- Analyse Indus Saraswati Civilization; Origin, Extent and the main features, Trade and Commerce,art and Religion.

CO21-Evaluate the decline of the late Harrapan Cultures. And Iron age Cultures: Painted Grey Ware (PGW) Cultures.

CO22-Delineate Northern Black Polished Ware(NBP)Cultures

Megaliths.

CO23-Assess the Vedic Literature

Early and Later Vedic Cultures: polity, society, economy and religion.

CO24-Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction

 
  • Interactive Lectures
  • Group Discussions
  • Tutorials
  • Reading assignments
  • Documentary Screening
  • Power Point Presentation

 

Class discussions, quiz, Oral Presentation in class room,Class test, Semester End Examinations, Solving problems in tutorials, Class Assignment.

 

15.00

A study of the Sources of Ancient Indian History of India from the beginning upto 6th Century B.C. Inscriptions, coins, Literature, Greek writings etc.

Salient features of Paleolithic and Neolithic Cultures

 

 

15.00

The Indus Saraswati Civilization; Origin, Extent and the main features-Town Planning, Craft Specialization, Trade and Commerce, Religious beliefs and Practices, Art .

 

15.00

Decline of the late Harappan Cultures.

Ironage Cultures: Painted Grey Ware (PGW) Cultures

 

15.00

Northern Black Polished Ware(NBP)Cultures

Megaliths

 

 

15.00

The Vedic Literature

The early and Later Vedic Cultures: polity, society, economy and religion.

The Vedic Saraswati river and evidence for its historicity.

 

 

Essential Readings: 

Books Recommended:

  • H D Sankalia: Pre history and protohistory of India and Pakistan, Poona,1974
  • H D sankalia: Stone Age tools-their technique,names and provable functions,Deccan College poona,I edition ,1962
  • Gregory Possehl(ed): Harappan Civilization,Delhi,1992
  • B B Lal :India 1947-1997:New light on the Indus Civilization, New Delhi,1998
  • Navratna S. Rajaram &david frawley: Vedic Aryans and the origins of the civilization, New Delhi,1997.
  • Vibha Tripathi: The Painted Grey Ware and Iron Age Cultures of Northern India, Delhi,1976
  • Rhys David : Buddhist India, Delhi, 1987
  • K.A.N Shastri(ed.): Comprehensive  History of India, Volume II
  • R.C. Majumdar & A.D.Pusalkar(ed.): The History and Culture of Indian People,
  • Volume I : The Vedic Age
  • H.C. Raychaudhary : Political History of Ancient India

 

Academic Year: 
2024-25
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