The history of early India has a unique grandeur and importance. The allure and excitement of its ancient legends, the sheer longevity of its civilizations, the evocative historical sources and monuments that remain and its overwhelming significance for Eurasian history as a whole make it one of the cornerstones of human experience. This definitive work brings to life thousands of years of Indian history: its prehistoric beginnings; the great cities of the Indus civilization; the emergence of mighty dynasties such as the Mauryas, Guptas and Cholas; the teachings of the Buddha; the writing of the heroic epics the Mahabharata and the Ramayana; the development of states and regional cultures that are the foundation of India today. The book introduces figures ranging from the remarkable and visionary ruler. Ashoka to other less exemplary characters. In exploring subjects as diverse as marriage, class, art, erotica and astronomy, Romila Thapar gives an incomparably vivid and nuanced picture. Above all, she shows that there is no ‘master narrative’ here, but rather a rich mosaic of diverse kingdoms, landscapes, languages and beliefs.
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