Ancient Indian History – UPSC Syllabus
1. Prehistoric Period
Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic cultures
Chalcolithic cultures in India
2. Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization)
Town planning, art, craft, trade, religion
Decline of Harappan culture
3. Vedic Period
Early and Later Vedic society, polity, economy
Vedic literature and philosophy
4. Religious Movements (6th Century BCE)
Jainism and Buddhism: origin, teachings, spread, decline
Ajivikas and other heterodox sects
5. Mahajanapadas & Age of Mauryas
Rise of Magadha
Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka and his Dhamma
Mauryan administration, art, literature, economy
Decline of the Mauryas
6. Post-Mauryan Period
Sungas, Kanvas, Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Kushanas, Satavahanas
Trade, urbanization, art, literature
7. Gupta Age & Post-Gupta Developments
Political history and administration
Economy, society, art, science, technology
Decline of the Gupta Empire
8. Regional Kingdoms (Post-Gupta to 8th Century CE)
Vardhanas (Harshavardhana)
Early South Indian Kingdoms (Sangam Age, Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas, Pallavas, Chalukyas)
9. Art, Culture & Philosophy
Architecture (stupas, temples, rock-cut caves)
Sculpture, pottery, coins, paintings
Philosophy schools (Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, Vedanta)
Literature (Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pali, Tamil Sangam literature)
