Early India: from the origins to AD 1300

Abstract

Early represents a complete rewriting by Romila Thapar of her classic work, A History of (the first volume in Penguin History of India series), thirty-five years after it was first published. Thapar has incorporated vast changes in scholarly understanding and interpretation of Indian history that have occurred during her lifetime to revise book for a new generation of readers. This new work brings to life thousands of years of history, tracing India's evolution before contact with modern Europe was established: its prehistoric beginnings; great cities of Indus civilization; emergence of mighty dynasties such as Mauryas, Guptas, and Cholas; teachings of Buddha; creation of heroic epics such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana; and, creation of regional cultures. Thapar introduces figures from remarkable visionary ruler Ashoka to other less exemplary figures. In exploring subjects as diverse as marriage, class, art, erotica, and astronomy, Thapar provides an incomparably vivid and nuanced picture of India. Above all, she shows rich mosaic of diverse kingdoms, landscapes, languages, and beliefs.

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