Indus

Prehistory

In the north-western parts of the Indian subcontinent, there flourished a highly developed civilization. It derived it's name from the main river of that region, 'Indus '. 

From 8000 BC, the Mesolithic age began and continued upto 4000 BC in India. During this time, sharp and pointed tools were used for killing fast-moving animals.

The Aryans migrated from the North-west to the area called Sapta-Sindhava (the land of the seven rivers) - Eastern Afghanistan, Punjab and the fringes of western Uttar Pradesh.

Society described by the three great epics,   merely part of Indian mythology. Now, it has acquired historical roots.

Hinduism had become much more than a religion; it was a way of life. Caste was the social manifestation of the underlying Hindu concept of reincarnation, causality and duty.

After the break-up of the Mauryan empire, a number of foreigners came to India in waves and contributed to its culture. The main invaders were the Bactrian Greeks, the Parthians, the Shakas and the Kushans.

The Mauryan empire was established under the leadership of Chandragupta Maurya (322 BC - 296 BC). Our knowledge of this period is derived from the writings of the Greek, Megasthenes, who wrote Indica.

India, south of the Vindhya mountains and the Narmada river, was known as Deccan. Further south was the land of the Dravidas (or Tamils).

In the fourth century AD a new Indian dynasty, the Guptas, arose in Magadha and established a large kingdom over the greater part of northern India.

From the decline of the Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, the political scene is confused and there are few records to illuminate it.

In the second half of the seventh century, efforts at empire building were made by Harshavardhana (or Harsha).

The major kingdoms of this period were the   Chalukyas built their kingdom on the ruins of the Vakatakas.

In the ninth century, the Pallavas gave way to the Cholas. The Cholas are noteworthy as the one dynasty of India which, if only for a while, adopted a maritime policy.

Three powerful kingdoms arose between 750 AD and 1000 AD out of the ruins of Harsha's empire.