In Indian history the decline of the Mauryan empire synchronised with large scale invasions leading to foreign occupation of northern India and parts of the Deccan. This also resulted in the infiltration of sizable foreign population. The political consequences of these invasions were indeed great and these have been adequately dealt with by scholars. The social consequences of foreign invasions have not, however, attracted the attention of scholars in the same measure. This book is an attempt to analyse and interpret these political upheavals in cultural terms. Food and drinks, dress ornaments and toilet, cults and cult objects, social organization and the caste system and social entertainments are primary to a society where the influence, if any, is most fundamental. These are, therefore, the aspects which have been taken up for studying the social impact of foreign invasions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Uma Prasad Thapliyal
Dr. U.P. Thapliyal was born on 8th January 1938, in village Shrikot, Khatsyum, District Garhwal, Uttaranchal. After compeleting his school education from Government Inter College, Lansdowne he joined Allahabad University and did his MA in Ancient India History. Subsequently, he did PhD from Delhi University in 1972. Dr. Thaplyal has authored many research works including 'Foreign Elements in Ancient Indian Society', 'The Dhvaja-Standards and Flags of India', -A Study, 'Bharatiya Sainiak Dhvaja Patakayen, 'Prachina Bharatiya Yoddha Paddhati' 'Prachina Bharatiya Vyuha Vijnana'. He is co-author of the prestigenous volume 'Historical Perspectives of Warfare in India, Some Morale and Material Dimensions' compiled under project History of Science, Philosophy and Culture. His research papers have been published in leading historical journals of India. As the director of the Hisotry Division, Ministry of Defence Dr. Thapliyal authored and edited many book including 'Operation Shanti', Military Costumes of India' 'stories of Heroism', 'Terrific Responsibility etc. He has also written books and accounts on military operations for the use of Indian Armed Forces. Earlier, as the Editor of Delhi Gazetteer he edited and published two volumes viz. 'Who is Who of Delhi Freedom Fighters' and 'Gazetteer of Rural Delhi'. Presently, Dr. Thapliyal is serving the Ministry of Defence as a General Editor. In 1995 Dr. Thapliyal delivered a talk on Indian contribution in World War-II at Nehru Centre, London, on the invitation of External Affairs Ministry. In 1998, he attended a seminar at Oxford University and delivered a talk on the role of Indian Army in Second World War. Dr. Thapliyal has earned many awards for his original writings from the Ministry of Defence and the mInistry of Home Affairs. His book swatantrata Andolan Ka Itihas was selected for a state Award by Delhi Government.
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