Indus to Ganges

Contents: Preface. I. The Indus valley civilization: 1. Origin. 2. Important sites. 3. Art and architecture. 4. Society. 5. Religion. 6. Economy. 7. Polity. 8. End of the civilization. Conclusion. II. The Indo Aryans: 1. The Indian response. 2. Theories of non-Indian origin. 3. Sapta Sindhu theory. 4. Arcitic theory. 5. Theory of upper Godavari- Narmada Doab. 6. Anthropomorphic appellations. 7. Floral and faunal factors. 8. Metallurgical factors-copper, iron, gold. 9. Hydraulic factors. III. The early Vedic culture: 1. Society. 2. Economy. 3. Religion. 4. Polity. IV. The later Vedic culture: 1. Society. 2. Economy. 3. Religion. 4. Polity. V. The age of Mahajanpadas: 1. Society. 2. Economy. 3. Polity. 4. Religion. VI. Trends and patterns of second urbanization: 1. Northern India. 2. Eastern India. 3. Central India. 4. Western India. 5. Southern India. Conculsion: 1. Phases of urban growth. 2. Causes of urban decline. Bibliography. Illustrations.

"This book gives a full view of the Indian history from the Ist urbanization to the 2nd urbanization. It begins with the history of the origin of the Indus civilization. It delineates the genesis and growth of urban architecture of the Harappans through the various discoveries from so many sites in the Indian subcontinent. It discusses the society, religion, economy, polity, art and architecture and different causes of the end of the civilization. The book also throws light on the origin of Indo Aryans and cultural development of early and later Vedic period. A brief introduction has also been given about the Mahajanpadas and republics of 6th century BC and lastly focus has been given on the trends and patterns of second urbanization in India. Hope, the book will throw new light on Indian civilization." (jacket)