Ancient History Syllabus & Subjects 2023: Semester-wise List, Top Colleges Syllabus PDF

Ancient History

It is the collection of historical events going back to the beginning of documented and recorded human history and upto late antiquity.

Greek and Roman Civilisations

After Augustus defeated Cleopatra VII, the Greek Ptolemaic queen of Egypt, and the Roman general Mark Antony in the Battle of Actium (31 BC), and later conquered Alexandria (30 BC), the last important city of Hellenistic Greece, the definitive Roman control of the Greek world was established.

Middle to Late Bronze Age

The Middle Bronze Age in Western Europe lasted three centuries, from the 17th to the 14th century BC. It was followed by a transitional period (the recent Bronze Age in the Mediterranean) from the 14th to the 13th centuries BC, a period marked by continuity and major changes that signifies the Late Bronze Age.

Early Ancient History

The earliest intelligible texts date from around 2600 BC, and the 5,000-year span of recorded history begins with the Sumerian cuneiform script. From 3000 BC to 500 AD, all continents inhabited by humans were documented in Ancient History.

Late Ancient History

Late antiquity saw the decline of Roman state religion, which was limited in degree by edicts likely inspired by Christian advisors such as Eusebius and issued to 4th-century emperors, as well as a period of dynamic religious experimentation and spirituality marked by many syncretic sects, some founded centuries earlier.

Introduction to Archaeology

The Bhirrana Culture (7570–6200 BC), Mehrgarh Culture (7000–3300 BC), and Edakkal Culture (5000–3000 BC) are Neolithic sites in India. Neolithic sites include Sanganakallu, Kupgal petroglyphs, Sonda rock art, and Anegundi houses. There are neolithic and mesolithic periods at the Brahmagiri archaeological site.

Harappan Civilisation

The subject of archaeology will be introduced to students, as well as the history of archaeology in India. The student will also be introduced to several individuals who have made significant contributions to the discipline of archaeology in India.

Chalukyas of Badami

Students will learn about the legendary Karnataka Dynasty. The Badami Chalukyas

They will be introduced to Chalukyas’ political and cultural accomplishments. The students will be appreciating Karnataka's legacy of art, architecture, and sculpture.

Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra

Students will be introduced to Karnataka's famed Hoysala Dynasty, as well as the political and cultural accomplishments of the Hoysalas. Students will treasure Karnataka's legacy of art, architecture, and sculptural magnificence.

Prehistoric times

• Periodisation of Indian Prehistory

• Sources of Prehistory

• Palaeolithic period Or Old Stone Age

• Mesolithic Or Middle Stone Age

• Neolithic Age or New Stone Age

• Chalcolithic Age

• Major Chalcolithic Cultures

• Early Iron Age

• Geographical Distribution and Characteristics

The study of the past before historical records began is known as prehistoric archaeology. It's a field of study that looks at all the world's pre-urban societies. It also has its own set of processes for analysing material remains to enable archaeologists to reconstruct their ecological environments.

Jainism

• Birth and Life of Mahavira (540–468 B.C.)

• Teachings of Mahavira

• Organisation and Sects of Jainism

• Literature of Jainism

• Councils, Spread and Royal Patrons

The way to enlightenment, according to Jainism, is via nonviolence and minimising harm to living things (including plants and animals). Jains believe in reincarnation, just like Hindus and Buddhists.

Post-Mauryan India

• Society: Evolution of Jatis

• Satavahanas

• Sungas and Kanvas

• Sakas

• Kushans

• Kanishka

From roughly 185 to 78 BCE, the Shunga Empire deposed and supplanted the Maurya Empire in the east of the Indian subcontinent. Pushyamitra Shunga formed the dynasty after overthrowing the Maurya throne.

Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC)

• IVC geography and archaeological findings

1. Major cities

2. Town planning

• IVC society and culture

1. Script and language

2. Crafts

3. Religions

4. Seals and images

• IVC economy

1. Harappan trade

2. Agriculture

3. Domestication of animals

4. Weights and measures

• The Decline of Harappan Culture

The Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) was a Bronze Age civilisation in northern South Asia that lasted from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. From 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE, it was in its fully developed form.

Buddhism

• Birth and Life of Buddha (563-483 BC)

• Teachings of Buddha

• Organisation and Sects of Buddhism

• Literature of Buddhism

• Councils, Spread of and Royal Patronage

• Causes for the Decline

Buddhism emerged in northern India during the late 6th and early 4th centuries BCE, during a period of significant societal transformation and religious activity. Scholars dispute the dates of the Buddha's birth and death.

Gupta Period

• Sources of Gupta Rule

• Rulers and Political history of Guptas Chronology

• Foreign Travellers Visit – Fa Hien’s Visit

• Gupta Administration

• Other Important Dynasties

• Society Religion and Culture

• Urban centres in the Gupta period

• Economy

• Science and Technology

• Literature

• Later Guptas

• Other Important Dynasties

The Gupta Dynasty was an ancient Indian empire that ruled from the early fourth to the late sixth centuries CE. It spanned much of the Indian subcontinent during its peak, between 319 and 467 CE. Historians refer to this time period as India's Golden Age.

Mahajanapadas Period

• Republics and Monarchies

• 16 Mahajanapadas

• Magadha

• Key Dynasties

• Haryanka dynasty

• Shishunaga Dynasty

• Nanda Dynasty

• Persian Invasions

• Alexander’s Invasion

• Society and Rise of urban centres

• Economy

• System of Administration

After the collapse of the Indus Valley Civilisation, the 6th–5th century BCE is typically seen as a crucial turning point in early Indian history; at this time, India's first large cities formed.

Harshavardhana Period

• Harsha Military Conquests

• Harsha and Buddhism

• Administration

• Society and Culture

• Economy

King Prabhakara Vardhana of Sthaneshvara gave birth to Harshavardhana in 590 AD (Thanesar, Haryana). He was a member of the Pushyabhuti, popularly known as the Vardhana dynasty. He was a Hindu who converted to Mahayana Buddhism later in life.

Rig Vedic Period

• Sources for Reconstructing Vedic Society and Culture

• Geography of the Rig Vedic Period - Area of Settlement

• Political Organisation and Evolution of Monarchy

• Social Organisation

• Economy

• Religious Practices and Culture

The Aryans were primarily confined to the Indus region, which is now Pakistan, during the Rig Vedic period. Sapta Sindhu, or the land of seven rivers, is mentioned in the Rig Veda. This includes the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers in Punjab and the Indus and Saraswathi rivers.

Mauryan Empire

• Sources: Inscriptions and Sites

• Literary Sources (The Arthasastra)

• Rulers and Political History of the Mauryas

1. Chandragupta and Bindusara

2. Megasthenes

3. Asoka and His Successors

• Asoka’s Inscriptions and Sites

• Asokan Reign

• Asoka and Buddhism

• Asoka Policy of Dhamma

• Mauryan Administration

• Foreign Relations

• Decline of the Mauryas

The Mauryan Empire ruled a major part of the Indian subcontinent from 321 B.C.E. to 185 B.C.E. It was the first pan-Indian empire and included parts of modern-day Iran and central and northern India.

Sangam Period (South Indian Dynasties)

• Sangam Literature

• South Indian Dynasties

1. Cholas

2. Cheras

3. Pandyas

• Sangam Polity, Society and Culture

• Economy of Sangam Period

• Foreign Dynasties

• Commercial Contacts with the Outside World

• Schools of Art

During the Sangam Age, three dynasties governed South India: the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas. The main source of information regarding these kingdoms comes from Sangam Period literary allusions.

Later Vedic Period

• Geography of the later Vedic phases - Area of settlement

• Political System

• Social Organisation and Varna System

• Economy

• Religious Practices and Culture

The Aryans thoroughly conquered the rich plains nourished by rivers like the Yamuna, Ganges, and Sadanira during the Later Vedic Age (1000-600 B.C.). Between 1500 and 600 B.C., the period was separated into two parts: The Early Vedic Age (Vedic Period) and the Later Vedic Age.

Core Introductory Courses

Ancient Middle Eastern History and Civilisation, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome

The history of the ancient Middle East, from prehistoric beginnings through the establishment of civilisations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and other parts of the region.

History of the Graeco-Roman World

Any four Ancient History (ANCH) or Classical Studies (CLST) courses with a concentration on the Greco-Roman world's history

Greco-Roman religion was polytheistic, with numerous gods worshipped. A pantheon, or group, was established by the twelve major gods. All gods were able to get involved in human affairs and often acted like humans. Followers. Religion was mandatory for all Greek and Roman people.

1.

A History Of Ancient And Early Mediaeval India

Upinder Singh

This book provides an exhaustive overview of the subject and provides a comprehensive introduction to ancient and early mediaeval Indian history.

2.

History Of Ancient India

Dr Krishna Chandra Srivastava

The goal of this book is to present a comprehensive description of ancient India's history, institutions, and culture from antiquity until the beginning of Muslim control within a reasonable time frame.

3.

India’s Ancient Past

R.S. Sharma

India's Ancient Past is a comprehensive study that spans the neolithic and chalcolithic periods to Harappan civilisation, Vedic times, the emergence of the Mauryas, and the Guptas. Up until Harshavardhana's period, there were Satvahanas.

4.

Early India

Romila Thapar

Using political narrative as a frame, Thapar skillfully weaves in detail other aspects such as society, economy, religion, art, and architecture.

5.

History of Mediaeval India – Part 1 & Part 2

Satish Chandra

Satish Chandra's History of Mediaeval India is a thorough examination of the Indian subcontinent's history from the seventh to the eighteenth centuries. It concentrates on the Chola, Bahmani, and Vijayanagar kingdoms' history, The Surs, Lodis, Delhi Sultanate, and Mughals. It also covers the Rajput kings and the Marathas' importance. Sufism and the Bhakti movement are examples of religious movements.

6.

History of Modern India

Bipin Chandra

History of Modern India, published in 2009, is a book about the history of British India, with a focus on the nationalist movement and colonialism. Bipin Chandra, a prominent historian, wrote the book History Of Modern India.

7.

India’s struggle for Freedom

Bipin Chandra

Bipin Chandra's India's Struggle for Independence is the book to read if you want an in-depth and exhaustive review of the Indian independence movement. One of the most important aspects of Indian history is the liberation movement.

Ramsundar Pandey Mahavidyalaya, Uttar Pradesh

Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

Sri Agrasen Kanya PG College, Varanasi

Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi

Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda

University of Madras

St. Xavier's College, Mumbai

Andhra University

University of Mysore

Patna University