The Age of Iron and the Religious Revolution, c. 700 - c. 350 BC

Contents: General Editor's preface. Author's preface. 1. The Iron Age, surplus and economic change, c. 700-c. 350 BC. 2. Settlements, towns and the social order. 3. Polities and formation of states. 4. The Religious Revolution. Chronology. Index.

"This monograph deals with a very important phase of Indian history, spanning c. 700 and c. 350 BC. During the period iron technology diffused, transforming and multiplying tools; cities arose and commerce spread; the caste system assumed practically all its essential features; powerful states were formed, with armies and bureaucracies; and finally, Jainism and Buddhism brought about a veritable Religious Revolution. All this is described in four chapters with clarity and precision, but with no attempt to conceal points of controversy. Special notes are furnished on punch-marked coinage, the Northern Black Polished Ware, problems of chronology, and the arrival of writing. Nine extracts from source give the reader a taste of the textual sources. There are twelve illustrations and seven maps, and a chronological table at the end. Each chapter is provided with a bibliographical note, indicating sources and suggesting further reading." (jacket)