Includes bibliographical references (p. [656]-666) and index.

Introduction: Ideas of the Early Indian Past
Understanding Literary and Archaeological Sources
Hunter-Gatherers of the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Ages
The Transition to Food Production: Neolithic, Neolithic–Chalcolithic, and Chalcolithic Villages, c. 7000–2000 BCE
The Harappan Civilization, c. 2600–1900 BCE
Cultural Transitions: Images from Texts and Archaeology, c. 2000–600 BCE
Cities, Kings, and Renunciants: North India, c. 600–300 BCE
Power and Piety: The Maurya Empire, c. 324–187 BCE
Interaction and Innovation, c. 200 BCE–300 CE
Aesthetics and Empire, c. 300–600 CE
Emerging Regional Configurations, c. 600–1200 CE

A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India is the most comprehensive textbook yet for undergraduate and postgraduate students. It introduces students to original sources such as ancient texts, artefacts, inscriptions and coins, illustrating how historians construct history on their basis. Its clear and balanced explanation of concepts and historical debates enables students to independently evaluate evidence, arguments and theories. This remarkable textbook allows the reader to visualize and understand the rich and varied remains of India's ancient past, transforming the process of discovering that past into an exciting experience.