This book provides a detailed narrative history of the dynasty and confederation of the Yuezhi, whose migration from western China to the northern border of present-day Afghanistan resulted ultimately in the creation of the Kushan Empire. Although the Yuezhi have long been recognised as the probable ancestors of the Kushans, they have generally only been considered as a prelude to the principal subject of Kushan history, rather than as a significant and influential people in their own right. The evidence seemed limited and ambiguous, but is actually surprisingly extensive and detailed and certainly sufficient to compile a comprehensive chronological political history of the Yuezhi during the first millennium BCE. The book analyses textual, numismatic and archaeological evidence in an attempt to explain the probable origin of the Yuezhi, their relationship with several Chinese dynasties, their eventual military defeat and expulsion from the Gansu by the Xiongnu, their migration through the Ili Valley, Ferghana and Sogdia to northern Bactria, and their role in the conquest of the former Greco-Bactria state. All of these events were bound up with broader cultural and political developments in ancient Central Asia and show the extraordinary interconnectedness of the Eurasian historical processes. The domino-effect of the migration of the Yuezhi led to significant changes in the broader Eurasian polity.
Volume 1 of this UNESCO multi-volume series traces the history of man in this vast region from the Palaeolithic beginnings to circa 700 BC, when the foundations of the Achaemenian Empire were laid. The earliest history of man is evidenced and the food producing areas of Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and the Indus Valley explored. The Bronze Age and the first signs of urbanization from the Indus to the Oxus are described as is the development of the nomadic pastoral tribes, such as the Aryans, whose history can be seen in proper perspective through archaeological evidence now available. A comprehensive first instalment for any enthusiast interested in the history and development of Asia.
"This volume is an outcome of the International Seminar entitled, 'Kushan Glory and Its Contemporary Challenges', which was organized by the Bharat Kala Bhavan, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (India), between October 3 and 5, 2008" (p. ix).
This fourth edition of A History of India presents the grand sweep of Indian history from antiquity to the present in a compact and readable survey. The authors examine the major political, economic, social and cultural forces which have shaped the history of the subcontinent. Providing an authoritative and detailed account, Hermann Kulke and Dietmar Rothermund emphasize and analyze the structural pattern of Indian history. The fourth edition of this highly accessible book brings the history of India up to date to consider, for example, the recent developments in the Kashmir conflict. Along with a new glossary, this edition also includes expanded discussions of the Mughal empire and the economic history of India.
A Single-Volume Study Of Ancient Indian History Delineating The Various Facets, Both Political And Cultural, And Incorporating The Fruits Of Recent Researches That Have Abundantly Appeared Since 1950, Has Not Been Attempted Before. Author Has Tried To Maintain A Delicate Balance Between Political History And Social, Economic And Cultural History Of Ancient India.The Book Covers The Pre-Historic India, The Vedic Age, The Post-Vedic Civilization, North India In The Sixth Century B.C. It Also Explains New Religious Movements And Their Socio-Economic Background, Maurya Age, Political Disintegration And Foreign Invasions. The Gupta Empire, The Prominence Of North Under Harshavardhana And Its Eclipse, Bengal Under The Palas And The Senas, Dynasties Of North India, Arabs And Turks In India, Indias Intercourse With The Outside World, Have Been Discussed In Depth.History Of Deccan And South India, Hitherto Not Given Due Weightage And Culture And Civilization Of Ancient India In All Its Variegated Hues, Have Received Due Attention. Some New Topics Like Espionage, Slavery, Guilds, Urbanisation, Feudalism And Science And Technology In Ancient India, Have Been Incorporated To Make The Book As Uptodate As Possible. Apart From Meeting The Requirements Of Undergraduate And Postgraduate Students Of Indian Universities, The Book Will Serve As A Useful Guide To Candidates For Civil Service Examination (Both Preliminary And Main).
This book presents a complete and accessible description of the history of early India. It starts by discussing the origins and growth of civilizations, empires, and religions. It also deals with the geographical, ecological, and linguistic backgrounds, and looks at specific cultures of the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Vedic periods, as well as at the Harappan civilization. In addition, the rise of Jainism and Buddhism, Magadha and the beginning of territorial states, and the period of Mauryas, Central Asian countries, Satvahanas, Guptas, and Harshavardhana are also analysed. Next, it stresses varna system, urbanization, commerce and trade, developments in science and philosophy, and cultural legacy. Finally, the process of transition from ancient to medieval India and the origin of the Aryan culture has also been examined.
A monthly published in Hindi and English. The journal is devoted to all aspects of rural reconstruction and village democracy. The journal carries educative and informative articles on rural development and is useful for scholars, academicians and students preparing for civil services and other competitive examinations.