Description
Book SynopsisThis book offers a critical synthesis of the archaeology of South Asia from the Neolithic period (c.6500 BCE), when domestication began and permanent settlements were established across the subcontinent, to the spread of Buddhism which accompanied the reign of the Mauryan Emperor Asoka in the third century BCE.
Trade Review'This new and thorough survey of the vast Indian subcontinent, from before the first urban civilization of the Indus to the time of Ashoka and the Mauryan Empire in the third century BCE, brings to bear contemporary archaeological questions and methods in a perceptive way. It is a valuable introduction to one of the major fields of world archaeology.' Colin Renfrew, McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge
'This book provides a substantial body of information regarding vital archaeological research of South Asian region. By gathering an insight into the field walking experience of South Asia, this book fulfills a long-felt need for a precise understanding of South Asian archaeology. This book will be essential reading for archaeologists throughout the world.' Prishanta Gunawardhana, University of Kelaniya and Director General of Central Cultural Fund, Sri Lanka
Table of ContentsPart I. The Context: 1. Introduction and definitions; 2. Environment and culture: South Asia's environmental, linguistic and religious patterns; 3. Histories of South Asian archaeology; Part II. The Indus Valley Tradition c.6500–1900 BCE: 4. Food producers: multiple Neolithics (c.6500–2000 BCE); 5. Regionalisation and differentiated communities (c.5000–2600 BCE); 6. An era of integration: the Indus civilisation (c.2600–1900 BCE); 7. Localisation: transformations of a system (c.1900–1200 BCE); Part III. The Early Historic Tradition (c.1900–200 BCE): 8. South Asia: transitions and continuities (c.1900–1200 BCE); 9. The re-emergence of regional differentiation (c.1200–600 BCE); 10. Reintegration: towards an early historic world (c.600–250 BCE); 11. The Mauryans and the Asokan ideal (c.321–185 BCE); Part IV. Conclusions: 12. Conclusions and challenges.
