India's Ancient Past by R. S. Sharma, Edition 2016
This book provides a comprehensive and accessible account of the history of early India. Beginning with a discussion on frameworks of writing history, the volume sheds light on the origins and growth of civilizations, empires, and religions. It covers the geographical, ecological, and linguistic backgrounds, and looks at specific cultures of the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Vedic periods, as well as the Harappan civilization.
The author discusses the rise of Jainism and Buddhism, Magadha, and the beginning of territorial states. The period of Mauryas, Central
Asian countries, Satavahanas, Guptas, and Harshavardhana are also analysed. He highlights important phenomena such as the varna system,
urbanization, commerce and trade, developments in science and philosophy, and cultural legacy.