Ancient Indian History up to 400 BCE

Indian History to 400 BC

1. Prehistoric Era:

   • Early humans inhabited the Indian subcontinent around 500,000 years ago.

   • The Stone Age is divided into Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic phases.

   • Neolithic communities were found in Mehrgarh (in present-day Pakistan), showcasing early agriculture and domestication.

2. Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2600–1900 BC):

   • One of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, located in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent.

   • Major cities: Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, Lothal.

   • Known for advanced city planning, drainage systems, trade, and uniform weights and measures.

   • Declined around 1900 BC, possibly due to climate change, tectonic shifts, or overuse of resources.

3. Vedic Period (c. 1500–600 BC):

   • Indo-Aryans migrated into India around 1500 BC, bringing with them the Sanskrit language and the Vedas, India’s oldest religious texts.

   • Early Vedic period (1500–1000 BC): Pastoral society with tribal structures.

   • Later Vedic period (1000–600 BC): Emergence of kingdoms (Janapadas), agriculture-based economy, and a rigid varna system.

4. Mahajanapadas (c. 600–300 BC):

   • Sixteen large states called Mahajanapadas emerged, including Magadha, Kosala, Kuru, Panchala, and Avanti.

   • Cities like Varanasi, Ujjain, and Taxila became cultural and political centers.

   • Rise of republican and monarchical forms of government.

5. Religious Movements:

   • Around the 6th century BC, new religious philosophies emerged.

   • Jainism (founded by Mahavira) and Buddhism (founded by Siddhartha Gautama) challenged Vedic rituals, emphasizing non-violence, self-discipline, and salvation

6. Magadha’s Rise to Power:

   
   

   By 400 BCE, the kingdom of Magadha, located in modern Bihar, was gaining dominance. Its strong administration, strategic location, and wealth set the stage for future empires like the Maurya Dynasty