Ancient History of India- Complete Notes for UPSC, Free Download

Topics covered under Ancient History of India

Ancient India refers to the history of the Indian subcontinent from the earliest civilizations to the emergence of Rajputs in India. Introduction of paper is the major differentiating point in the ancient and medieval history.

The ancient history of India is divided into several periods, including the Stone Age, Indus Valley Civilization (3300 BCE – 1300 BCE), the Vedic Period (1500 BCE – 500 BCE), the Maurya Empire (321 BCE – 185 BCE), and the Gupta Empire (320 CE – 550 CE).

1. The Stone age:

The Stone Age refers to the prehistoric period during which stone tools were the most prevalent form of articles used by early man. The use of stone tools started about 2.5 million years ago with the arrival of the early humans (‘Homo Habilis’ and Australopithecus). They were one of the earliest bipedal primates and used tools to hunt primarily.

2. The Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilisation was one of the earliest and most advanced civilizations in the world, with major cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) was characterized by its sophisticated urban planning, advanced technology, and diverse cultural practices.

3. The Vedic Period

The Vedic Period saw the emergence of the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, and the development of Hinduism as a religion. The Maurya Empire, under the rule of Emperor Ashoka, was a period of outstanding political and cultural achievements. Ashoka is known for his policies of non-violence and religious tolerance and his contributions to the spread of Buddhism.

4. Later Vedic Period

The later Vedic period, or post-Vedic age, extended roughly from 1000 B.C. to 600 B.C., during which some Vedic tribes had migrated from the ‘Sapta Sindhu’ region to the upper Ganga Valley and other adjacent areas. The history of the later Vedic period is based primarily on Vedic texts, which were compiled after the age of Rigveda.

5. The Mauryan Empire

The Mauryan Empire existed in the 4^th-3^rd century BCE, it had a profound impact on the cultural and religious sphere. Buddhism spread not only in India but also to the other parts of Asia in this period. This period features the largest empire that India saw, under the able leadership of kings like Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka.

6. The Sangam Age

One of the greatest repositories of literature in India was created in the 2^nd century BCE to 3^rd Century BCE. This is known as the Sangam Age. After the decline of Sangam kingdoms, several other kingdoms like the Pallavas and Chalukyas emerged.

7. The Gupta Empire

The Gupta Empire, which followed the Maurya Empire, was a period of outstanding cultural and scientific achievements. The Gupta Empire is known for its advances in mathematics, science, and literature and its achievements in art and architecture.

8. The Foreign Invasion:

Foreign invasions also played a significant role in ancient India’s history. Alexander invaded western part of India in the 4th century BCE. After him, several central Asian tribes like Saka, Kushana, and Hunas arrived in several waves till 5^th Century CE.

Overall, ancient India made significant contributions to the world in the fields of art, literature, science, and philosophy. Its legacy can still be seen in the cultural and intellectual traditions of modern India.