Human have come long way from early stage of hunter-gatherer, cave dwelling existence. In this brief timeline of ancient Indian history, we will understand evolution of human from early stages till dawn of medieval era. Stone Age, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age, Mahajanapadas (Buddhism, Jainism), Mauryan empire, foreign invasions, Gupta empire, Sangam age in south India, Pallavas, King Harsh in north, Kannauj triangle and Cholas empire in south India.
Stone Age
Evolution of man from hunter-gatherer to settled society with domestication of animals, agriculture and permanent settlements. Around 2000 BC, although Indus valley developed in north west India, stone culture continued in other parts.
Indus Valley Civilization
Indus Valley civilization aka Harappan civilization flourished in Punjab and Sindh region of subcontinent. 1st urban civilization. It also had trade links to Mesopotamian culture. However Harappan script is not yet decoded and not everything is clear about it.
Vedic Civilization
Vedic civilization thrived in region of Sapta Sindhwa (River Sindhu and its 6 tributaries). Usually it is categorised in two phases i.e. 1500 BC – 1000 BC as Rigvedic society and 1000BC – 500 BC as later Vedic culture.
The culture evolved from simple pastoral society to more settled, complex society.
Mahajanpadas
This was the 2nd urban civilization in subcontinent. It witnessed rise of numerous Heterodox Sects, including Buddhism and Jainism. These new religions challenged many tenets of Vedic culture and Vedic culture declined in this period.
Mauryan Empire
Establishment of Mauryan empire by Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya. It was later expanded into first pan-Indian empire under rule of Ashoka.
Also spread of Buddhism into Sri Lanka and South East Asia under patronage of Ashoka.
Foreign Invasions
Age of numerous foreign invasions i.e. Greeks, Sakas, Parthians, Kushanas. However, all of them settled in subcontinent (in north and north-west region) and became part of Indian culture.
Also number of small, weak dynasties rose and fell in other parts of India.
Satavahanas ruled in Deccan region.
Sangam Age in South India
Sangam literature was composed in South India. Various empires i.e. Chola, Chera, Pandyas dominated for different phases of history.
Gupta Empire
This age marked establishment of 2nd pan Indian empire under Samudragupta. Revival of Vedic culture and Sanskrit. Large number of literatures were written in this age including Kalidasa’s. Large number of gold coins were issued in this period.
Vakatakas were contemporary of Guptas and they ruled in Deccan region i.e. they succeeded Satavahanas in Deccan.
King Harshvardhan
Establishment of Empire under Harshvardhan in North India. Yuan Schwang (Hieun Tsang), a Chinese traveller visited during his era. He ruled entire north Indian region. Compilation of Harshacharita by Banabhatta.
Pallavas in South India
Earlier feudatories of Satavahanas of Deccan. Lot of cultural advancement happened during this age. Rock cut temples, Ratha temples and eventually development of Dravidian temple architecture.
Chola Empire in South India
Also known as Imperial Cholas. Mostly Saivite followers. Spread Indian culture in South East Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand etc. Dravida architecture reached its glory under Cholas.
Kannauj Triangle
Numerous regional empieres like Rashtrakutas of Deccan, Palas of Bengal, Gurjar Pratiharas of Malwa region fought for Kannauj region. Several other feudal kingdoms like Rajputs, Chandellas, Kakatiyas also rose to power.
After 1192, we witness foreign invasions by Persian rulers. This lead to establishment of Islamic rule in north India. One thing led to another and for next 750 years India remained under rule of one foreign power or another. This has considerably changed the culture and society of Indian subcontinent.
We will learn more about medieval Indian history in another article.
please upload modern India part too
Yes Gajanan. We intend to do it. But it may take some more time. We’ll certainly convey you all when we update it.
https://politicsforindia.com/vedic-civilization/