History of India from earliest times up to C.300 CE

Paper Code: 
25CHIS101
Credits: 
06
Contact Hours: 
90.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course offers students a comprehensive exploration of Indian history, spanning from prehistoric times to the early historic periods. Through it, students will gain insights into the evolution of Ancient India's religious and societal landscapes. They'll also develop a nuanced understanding of historical causality, uncovering the reasons behind societal and cultural changes, as well as political developments such as imperialism and monarchical governance.

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course  Code

Course Title

25CHIS 101

History of India from earliest times up to C.300 CE

(Theory)

CO1-  Assess the relevant sources for studying Ancient India, Pre-History, and Proto History

CO2- Recognize and list the key characteristic features and legacy the Harappan Civilization.

CO3- Evaluate changes and continuities from prehistoric times to the fourth century CE.

CO4- Examine the rise of the Magadha Empire, Ashoka’s Dhamma, Mauryan administration, economy and culture.

CO5- Assess the Post-Mauryan Politics, Sungas and Satavahanas.

CO6: Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, use of digital technology like documentaries, film screening, maps and Power Point Presentations. Emphasise the

interconnectedness of

themes

to build

a holistic view of the

time period/region under

study  

learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Seminar presentation, Giving tasks.

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments,  Power Point Presentation, Individual and group activities.

 

18.00
Unit I: 
Interpreting Ancient India and Prehistoric Cultures

Sources of Ancient India: Survey of Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic cultures.

18.00
Unit II: 
Harappan Civilization

Harappan Civilization: origin, extent; urban features – town planning, economy, society and religion; decline. Chalcolithic cultures

18.00
Unit III: 
Vedic Age and Post-Vedic Period

Vedic Culture: polity, economy, society and religion., Emergence of Mahajanapadas, Jainism and Buddhism: Causes, Doctrines, Spread, Decline and Contributions

18.00
Unit IV: 
The Mauryan Empire

Emergence and growth of the Magadha Empire, The Mauryan empire: state and administration, economy, Ashoka’s Dhamma, art and architecture

18.00
Unit V: 
Post Mauryan Age

Post Mauryan Age with special reference to Shunga, Satavahanas and Kushanas: polity, economy, society, art

Essential Readings: 

•        Singh, Upinder. A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the12th Century.New Delhi: Pearson, 2013.

•        Basham, A.L. The Wonder That Was India. New Delhi: Rupa & Co, 1967.

•        Chakrabarti, Dilip K. India: An Archaeological History- Palaeolithic Beginnings to Early Historic Foundations. Delhi: OUP, 1999.

•        Tripathi, R.S, History of Ancient India, Delhi, Motilal Banarasidass, 1992.

  • Majumdar R C. Ancient India, Motilal Banarsidass, 1964
References: 

•        Allchin, F.R. and B., Origins of a Civilization: The Prehistory and Early Archaeology of South Asia. New Delhi: Viking, 1997.

•        Chakravarti, Ranabir. Exploring Early India Upto C. AD 1300. New Delhi: MacMillan, 2010.

  •     Chaudhary, Hemchandra Ray, Political History of Ancient India, Delhi, OUP, 1987.
  • Gregory. L. Possehl, The Indus Civilization, (A contemporary Perspective), New Delhi, Vistaar Publications, 2002.

•        Jain, V. K. Pre and Protohistory of India. New Delhi: D.K. Printworld, 2006.

•        Jha, D.N. Ancient India in Historical Outline. New Delhi: Manohar Publishers, revised and enlarged edition, 2009.

•        Jha, D.N. Early India: A Concise History. Delhi: Manohar, 2004.

•        Kosambi, D.D. An Introduction to the Study of Indian History. New Delhi: Popular Prakashan, 1975.

•        Ratnagar, Shereen. Understanding Harappa: Civilization in the Greater Indus Valley. New Delhi: Tulika, 2001.

•        Karsashima, Noboru ed. A Concise History of South India. New Delhi: OUP, 2014.

·       Majumdar R.C. etal, History and Culture of the Indian People, Vols, II, III, IV, V Mumbai, Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan Series, 1970, 1979, 1980.

•        Ray, H. P. Monastery and Guild: Commerce under the Satavahanas. New Delhi: OUP, 1986.

Academic Year: 
2025-26
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